Emmerdale Star Bradley Johnson Plans to Elope to the US After UK Wedding Costs Branded ‘Extortionate’
Emmerdale favourite Bradley Johnson, best known for playing Vinny Dingle, has revealed plans to marry his fiancée Sammie in the United States — admitting that the cost of tying the knot in the UK has become “extortionate.”
The actor, who has been part of the Dales since 2019, says the couple will elope to Nashville next year to combine their wedding with a well-earned holiday.
From On-Screen Heartbreak to Real-Life Happiness
It’s been a turbulent few weeks for Bradley’s on-screen alter ego. Emmerdale viewers watched in shock as Vinny’s whirlwind marriage to Gabby Thomas (Rosie Bentham) collapsed just five weeks after their September wedding.
The relationship had been on shaky ground from the start — Vinny’s struggles with his sexuality, Gabby’s infidelity in Portugal, and his online entanglement with a man named Graham “Mike” Connolly (who later assaulted and blackmailed him) all led to the couple’s devastating split.
The harrowing storyline even sparked nearly 300 Ofcom complaints, as fans were left shaken by Vinny’s ordeal.
But off-screen, life couldn’t be more different for Bradley.
“The Cost of Marrying in the UK Is Extortionate”
Away from the cameras, Bradley, 28, is blissfully engaged to his long-term partner Sammie, with whom he shares an 11-month-old son, Albie. The couple live in Bradford, and Bradley says family life has brought him nothing but joy.
“Being a dad is the most incredible thing ever,” he told The Mirror. “When I walk through the door and see Albie smile, it’s just the most amazing feeling. I love it.”
However, the pair have opted for a simpler, more intimate ceremony abroad rather than a lavish UK wedding.
“We both love country music, so we’ve just booked to go to the States — to Nashville — to get married,” Bradley revealed. “It’ll be just the two of us, and we want to enjoy the time together. The cost of marrying in the UK now is extortionate, and this way, we’ll be able to have a holiday too.”
A Career Built on Perseverance
Bradley’s road to success hasn’t been without obstacles. Originally cast in Emmerdale for only three episodes, he impressed producers so much that his role as Vinny Dingle became permanent.
“I was supposed to be in and out,” he admitted. “But seven months later, they called me back and offered me a longer contract when Lisa Riley returned as Mandy. And here I still am! I’ve got the best job in the world.”
Over the years, Bradley has become one of the show’s most loved faces, tackling difficult and emotional storylines ranging from grief and abuse to self-discovery and identity.
“I’ll Stay for as Long as They’ll Have Me”
Despite Vinny’s current heartbreak, Bradley hopes happier times lie ahead for his character. “He has got a bit of work to do to find out who he is as a person,” he said. “But hopefully, with the right people around him, he’ll be okay.”
As for his own future, the actor says he’s not going anywhere. “I’ll stay for as long as they’ll have me and as long as I keep getting these amazing storylines,” he added. “I’m really happy at Emmerdale. Life is great.”