Emmerdale cast member Andy Moore has played PC Swirling for almost 11 years. And despite being frequently on our screens, he still has never been brought in as a cast regular.
Quite often, any time Swirling has scenes on the show, fans call for show bosses to bring him in full-time.Â
At the beginning of April this year, Andy will have been playing the adored policeman for 11 years. But what is his life away from the soap like?
Recently PC Swirling has been involved in April’s storyline (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale cast member’s real name
Despite being professionally known as Andy Moore, his social media account suggests he has a different surname.
His headline for X reads: “Andy Whitaker. Actor name: Andy Moore.” So it seems the Emmerdale cast member wanted to keep both his professional and private lives separate.
Other TV appearances
The Emmerdale star is a familiar face to TV fans, as he has made appearances on various hit shows.
His first introduction to the world of acting was actually on ITV’s other soap, Coronation Street. Back in 2005, Andy had a brief two episode story arc as a driver.
Then five years later he made his return to the cobbles. But not as a driver. Instead, he played a photographer, appearing very briefly.
But away from soaps, he has appeared on a variety of TV shows. These included the fan-favourite show The Bill, The Royal and Fred and Marv.
Then a few years ago, in 2021, he featured in a YouTube short film titled Barry Glitter.
PC Swirling has been featured in Emmerdale for 11 years in April (Credit: ITV / YouTube)
Musical background for Emmerdale star Andy Moore
What might be surprising for fans to note is Andy has an incredibly huge musical background. It seems throughout his life he has been a member of multiple bands, where he would both sing and play guitar.
Then when the bands went their individual ways, Andy made his own solo album. And it seems the career doesn’t have a sign of stopping. In December 2024, Andy posted an original Christmas song onto YouTube.
At the beginning of the video he admitted he’s currently working on a new EP, which he hopes will be released later this year.
Fans can find countless songs and music covers on his YouTube channel, which he updates quite regularly.
Andy has made a career in music, away from acting (Credit: Andy Whitaker / YouTube)
Proud dad and husband
On his official Facebook page, Andy has been praising both of his children as they grow up.
Most recently, he shared that his son, Chris, now has his own freelance web developing service, and has been encouraging fans to check it out.
While he does seem more private regarding his daughter, Ceara, his last post with her was on Christmas Eve when their family were heading out.
As for Andy’s wife, according to Facebook, they celebrated their 33 year wedding anniversary in 2017. So in August this year Andy and Jan will have been married 41 years.
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV, with an early release of 7am on ITVX.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs weekdays at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm on ITV3.
Follow our Facebook page @EmmerdaleInsider for the latest Emmerdale cast news, spoilers and gossip. Or find us on Twitter @EmmerdaleInside. We want to hear your thoughts!
A brand new year in Emmerdale is always an exciting prospect and it’s got us thinking about the characters want to see more of in 2025.
There’s a real mixture of locals on our list. Some are legacy characters who have become a little redundant in recent years and need revitilising. Others are newcomers to the village that we’re keen to get to know more. And then there’s a non-resident who we’re desperate to become a permanent fixture.
Here are our nine folk who deserve more screen time next year…
We want to see a different side to John Sugden (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale characters we want to see in 2025: John Sugden
John Sugden’s arrival to the village in August 2024 came with high hopes. As the long lost son of an Emmerdale icon, this was the chance to put the Sugdens back on the map. But four months on and we’re still waiting for something – anything – exciting to happen.
Right now, John isn’t bringing an awful amount to Emmerdale. We get that he’s an enigma, and self-confessed lone wolf. We don’t even mind he’s moody and defensive. But he’s just so boring. Even John’s relationship with Aaron feels like it’s going through the motions. If you compare it to the passion of Robron, there’s no energy or spark.
But there has to be more to John than what we’ve been shown so far. That explanation he gave Aaron about Aidan Moore being his lost love felt too neat for our liking. If you ask us he’s lying and we want to know why. Is this guy even John Sugden?!
We’re hoping Emmerdale are going to solve the mystery and give us a reason to invest in John as a character. Otherwise he might as well get back in that campervan and carry on driving.
Vic is being wasted as a character (Credit: ITV)
Victoria Sugden
While we’re on the subject of Sugdens, isn’t it time poor Victoria had a decent storyline? She’s barely on screen these days, and when she does pop up it’s normally to interfere in other folks’ business.
If you look past her being a nosey old nag, Vic is an important character in Emmerdale’s history. She’s one of its longest-serving residents and has lived in the village since she was born.
What we’d like is 2025 is to see Victoria lighten up a bit (okay, a lot) and get a life of her own. Perhaps an exciting new career opportunity or how about bring back her ex-husband Adam Barton? They made a great couple and we think he’d be lovely with her little Harry.
PC Swirling is popular amongst the fans (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale characters we want to see in 2025: PC Swirling
Fan favourite PC Swirling has been policing the Dales on and off for 20 years. We think that kind of loyal service should be rewarded. So how about making him a permanent character? We think he would be a marvelous addition.
The local copper recently showed viewers his softer side after arresting Cain Dingle for assault. Sensing Cain was troubled, Swirling got him to open up about Moira’s brain tumour diagnosis and shared he’d been through similar heartache with his aunt. And remember how he turned up to pay his respects at Zak’s funeral? He’s clearly a good egg.
Emmerdale could make more use of Swirling by moving him into the village. He could bring Mrs Swirling with him too, if she exists. We’d also love to see him teaming up with a few of the locals, particularly Kim Tate.
We would like to see Dawn smile in 2025 (Credit: ITV)
Dawn Fletcher
The past 12 months have not been kind to Dawn. She’s had to cope with baby Evan’s cancer, Will and Rose’s toxic war and now her marriage to Billy is in crisis following his ongoing involvement in illegal boxing. Would a happier 2025 be too much to ask?
Ever since Dawn arrived in the Dales six years ago she’s been blighted by bad luck and misery. But we would really like the chance to see a lighter, more bubbly side to her character.
Dawn’s got all the makings to be a brilliant barmaid behind The Woolpack bar. And we’d love to see her make friends with some of the fellow mums in the village, perhaps have a long overdue girly night out?
Caleb’s character is confusing (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale characters we want to see in 2025: Caleb Miligan
Ruby’s character development has been one of the greatest triumphs of 2024, but Caleb remains something of a frustrating mystery. One minute he’s hell bent on toppling Kim Tate’s empire. Next, it’s all been forgotten about.
Just who is the real Caleb? Is he and out and out lying cheat and scoundrel? Or does have actually have a moral compass?
Next year we might get to find out as two secrets threaten to cause carnage. The first being Ruby’s betrayal with Cain. Even though Caleb’s repeatedly cheated on her, would he forgive Ruby for sleeping with his own brother?
And then of course, there’s Anthony’s abuse of Ruby and the question of whether Caleb isn’t actually Steph’s father. This revelation is going to destroy Caleb. And we wouldn’t be surprised if Caleb tried to put Anthony in the grave before the cancer finishes him off.
Gabby has gone under the radar (Credit: ITV)
Gabby Thomas
Where is Gabby these days? She’s gone completely under the radar since getting together with Vinny and we’d like her back.
The couple still appear to be in the honeymoon period and are proving the doubters wrong. But do they have what it takes to go the distance? 2025 will give us that answer.
Gabby now deserves a prominent storyline of her own. Will she end up getting drawn into the drama at Home Farm? Kim is going to need someone in her corner, and who better than her canny protegee? Gabs has learnt from the best and has the ability to take anyone on.
There are tough times ahead for Jacob (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale characters we want to see in 2025: Jacob Gallagher
Emmerdale has confirmed Jacob will be taking centre stage in a gripping new plot for 2025. And it’s about time too!
A special standalone episode will follow the medical student as he’s pushed to his limits during the first day working in a busy A&E department. We’ve long been fans of actor Joe Warren-Plant and think this is going to be his time to shine.
As well embarking on a tough new career, Jacob is set to start a romance with long-time friend Sarah Sugden. It’s surprising the writers have waited so long to put these two together as they really suit one another.
Also, we suspect Jacob is going to be involved in mum Leyla’s departure from the village. So it looks as if we’ll be seeing a lot of him in the next few weeks. Hurrah!
Ross has been up to no good again (Credit: ITV)
Ross Barton
Mike Parr must be one of the busiest actors in soap right now, he’s barely been off our screen. Not that we’re complaining – we’d like a little less of Ross’s predictable bad boy antics.
The moments we’ve warmed to Ross most are the scenes he’s shared with April Windsor. Because of their shared history, their bond feels genuine and we like how Ross has become a stepfather figure/confidant for the troubled teen. Plus it’s always a delight to see the brilliant Amelia Flanagan (aka April) being given a meatier storyline.
But what we’d really like in 2025 is find out more about those six years Ross spent in Liverpool with his late girlfriend Rebecca White and her son Seb. What really happened to split them up? And did Ross have anything to do with Bex’s untimely passing? Let’s fill in the gaps and delve a little deeper.
Steph’s life is set to implode (Credit: ITV)
Emmerdale characters we want to see in 2025: Steph Miligan
The Miligans are the family to watch as we go into 2025, and Steph in particular.
We really like what we’ve seen of the newcomer so far. She’s calculating, uncompromising, feisty and fearless – basically her mum’s mini me. But her whole world could be about to come crashing down.
Like Caleb, Steph is still in the dark over the abuse Ruby suffered at the hands of Anthony. And we’re yet to discover whether Steph’s biological father is in fact her grandad, who she idolises. If the truth does out, everything Steph has ever known would be shattered in an instant.
Might Steph team up with Caleb to take down evil Anthony? Or exact her own revenge on the perverted OAP?
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm, with an early release on ITVX at 7am.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
Visit our Facebook page @emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on Twitter @emmerdaleinside
In Emmerdale spoilers for Monday September 30, Moira’s erratic behaviour is causing her loved ones serious concern. Matty decides to move in with his mum to help her, but will Moira want him there?
Meanwhile, John is suspicious when PC Swirling questions Aaron about a reported theft. But what has he been up to?
Moira isn’t happy when Matty announces he’s moving in (Credit: ITV)
Moira’s health is in decline in Emmerdale spoilers
1. Moira is spiralling
Moira’s life was shattered this month when she was diagnosed with a meningioma, a non-cancerous type of brain tumour. The mass in her head has caused her to suffer from seizures, memory loss, confusion and bouts of anger.
Moira is currently dealing with a ‘watch and wait’ situation to see how the tumour grown. But it’s clear her health is getting worse. She’s experiencing frequent seizures and is having difficulty remembering what she did, when.
Moira’s erratic behaviour is also causing her loved ones a lot of stress, particularly as she’sstruggling to face up to the fact she’s ill.
Mack and Matty are united in their concern for Moira (Credit: ITV)
2. Matty moves in to Butlers
As the week begins, Matty arrives at Butlers with a holdall. He’s desperately worried about his mum, especially with Cain away, and wants to keep a closer eye on her.
However, Moira isn’t thrilled by the prospect. She knows Matty will be watching her every move and forcing her to face up to the reality of her illness.
But as Moira experiences another difficult day, Mack and Matty both agree her behaviour is getting worse. Can they help her before something dreadful happens?
John wants to keep his relationship with Aaron private (Credit: ITV)
Liam grills John in Emmerdale spoilers
3. Liam wants the gossip
Elsewhere in the village, John is settling into his new job at Brook Surgery. Liam offered the former army medic a role at his practice after he saved Pollard from having an angina attack.
As the new colleagues get to know one another, Liam quizzes John about his relationship with Aaron.
But John doesn’t like being asked about his personal life and refuses to give any details.
John witnesses PC Swirling searching Aaron’s car for stolen goods (Credit: ITV)
Aaron’s been a naughty boy in Emmerdale spoilers
4. PC Swirling wants a word with Aaron
Ello, ello, what’s going on here then? It seems Aaron’s been up to his usual tricks when PC Swirling approaches him on Main Street wanting to discuss some stolen smart watches.
The copper reveals Aaron’s car was seen leaving the scene of the crime and wants to search his motor. Aaron feigns his innocence as John approaches to see what’s going on.
Swirling is unable to find any evidence in the car and leaves, while Aaron breathes a sigh of relief that he didn’t tell John about his latest scam. Keeping secrets from one another already – that’s not a good sign for the future!
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
Visit our Facebook page @emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on Twitter @emmerdaleinside
Aaron is up to no good in Emmerdale spoilers for next week when he uses John’s van to conceal evidence of his latest theft. But Aaron’s in for a shock when his loot suddenly disappears. Is his new lover responsible?
Aaron doesn’t tell John what he’s been up to (Credit: ITV)
Aaron and John are still going strong in Emmerdale spoilers
Now John has decided to stay put in the village it seems he and Aaron are ready to make a go of it.
The fella’s steamy affair started back in the summer after they hooked up in the insalubrious setting of a roadside layby. Aaron was stunned when he later realised the man he’d just slept with was John Sugden – the half-brother of his ex-husband and soulmate, Robert.
Weeks of will they/won’t they ensued as John and Aaron teased fans with their flirty exchanges. But neither could deny their feelings and it wasn’t long before they were ‘a thing’ again.
Although open about his sexuality, John doesn’t want to discuss his relationship with Aaron. And when Dr Liam pushes for details, he gets shut down!
PC Swirling conducts a search of Aaron’s vehicle (Credit: ITV)
Aaron is questioned by the police
Meanwhile, unbeknownst to John, Aaron has been engaging in a spot of theft with partner-in-crime Mackenzie. Viewers have been going crazy for their pair’s friendship, with some dubbing Aaron and Mack Emmerdale’s ‘hottest new couple’.
PC Swirling arrives in the village and approaches Aaron on Main Street to ask about a consignment of stolen smart watches. It turns out Aaron’s car was spotted leaving the scene of the crime. Good luck explaining that one, mate.
As Aaron feigns innocence, John witnesses the cop searching Aaron’s motor and comes over to see what’s going on. Swirling soon departs after being unable to find any evidence, while Aaron opts to hide the truth from John. But has he already worked it for himself?
Aaron discovers his stolen goods have disappeared from John’s van (Credit: ITV)
Aaron is in for a huge shock
Later on, Aaron meets up with Mack who suggests they use John’s van to get rid of the smart watches.
Aaron asks his boyfriend if he can borrow his vehicle, but he point blank refuses. Seriously, what is it with John and that van? He’s beyond precious! John may have said no, but since when does Aaron ever take that for an answer? With his lover distracted, Aaron secretly swipes John’s keys and sets his plan into motion.
Mack and Aaron then load their spoils into the van, but when Aaron goes back later he discovers every one of the watches has gone! Has John rumbled Aaron and Mack’s theft and got one step ahead of the game? We wouldn’t put anything past him.
