Emmerdale’s Mark Charnock looked unrecognisable in early role in ITV drama
Mark Charnock, best known for his portrayal of the endearing Marlon Dingle in ITV’s Emmerdale, has been a fixture on the show since 1996. The Bolton-born actor, now 56, is set to celebrate his 30-year anniversary on the popular series next year.
After Chris Chittell, who plays Eric Pollard, Charnock is the second-longest serving cast member on Emmerdale.
His character has had some meaty storylines, including a stroke and his relationship with vet Rhona Goskirk (Zoe Henry). Most recently, he’s been searching for his daughter April Windsor (Amelia Flanagan).
Speaking on ITV’s This Morning about Marlon’s missing daughter storyline earlier this year, Charnock admitted the scenes were hard to watch.
“It’s upsetting because it’s so real. They’ve written it brilliantly and structured it so well, and then you look into the numbers, talking to charities and stuff like that and people go through this and it’s unimaginable.”
During this career, Charnock has consistently received nominations for his work, reports Leeds Live.
However, before taking on the role of Marlon, he played Brother Oswin in the ITV crime drama Cadfael, adapted from The Cadfael Chronicles by Ellis Peters, a pseudonym for writer Edith Mary Pargeter. Charnock starred alongside Sir Derek Jacobi’s crime-solving Benedictine priest Brother Cadfael, serving as a novice and Cadfael’s young apprentice.
As Cadfael’s right-hand man, Brother Oswin assisted in solving cases in 12th century Shrewsbury.
Images from the show depict a youthful Charnock as Brother Oswin, participating in a bloodletting ritual with his fellow priests.
Cadfael also featured Julian Firth, Terrence Hardiman, Michael Culver and Sean Pertwee, with guest appearances from Jonny Lee Miller, Tara Fitzgerald and Hugh Bonneville.
Charnock was a key character in the show from 1994 to 1997, with the series concluding the subsequent year.
Cadfael is arguably Charnock’s most significant work alongside Emmerdale, with the actor having minor roles in Coronation Street, EastEnders, Watching, Waiting for God and 2point4 Children.
Charnock honed his skills at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art, where he trained alongside Emmerdale co-star Dominic Brunt.
Emmerdale airs weekdays on ITV from 7.30pm
Cadfael is streaming on ITVX now
