'Emmerdale' actor pays tribute to Blyth

Emmerdale star Jason Merrells has paid tribute to the soap's late series producer Gavin Blyth, praising his ambition and vision for the show.

At the weekend, it was announced that Blyth had passed away at the age of 41 following a short period of ill health.

Speaking on This Morning today, Merrells said that Blyth's passion for Emmerdale had been one of the main reasons why he signed up for the role of Declan Macey back in February.

The actor commented: "Our producer Gavin sadly passed away this weekend and I've got to say that one of the reasons that I did this job was because of him.

"It was talking to him and listening to how he had a vision for the show that made me squash a lot of my - actually very stupid - preconceptions of soap, that I've lost now completely because of the great people there, the professionalism, and actually how much I'm enjoying it."

He added: "A lot of that was to do with Gavin and his vision and wanting it to be the best it can be. It's very difficult to make stuff that is on six nights a week and to keep those stories turning over and to keep the logic of those stories. I think Gavin was so keen on that - that was what was so exciting to join really, and it's a real shame."

A number of other Emmerdale stars have also praised Blyth in recent days, as have members of the show's crew and colleagues from his time at Coronation Street.