Emmerdale legend reveals he’s retired from acting after quitting the soap

EMMERDALE legend Duncan Preston has revealed he has retired from acting after quitting the soap.

The comedy legend – who played Laurel Thomas’ dad Doug Potts in the ITV soap – quit the soap in 2020.

His character moved to Australia for a new life with Betty Eagleton – where he has remained ever since.

And now actor Duncan has revealed he considers himself retired.

He told This is Money: “To have enough to see myself out and certain other people too. 

“I consider myself retired but if anything comes up that I want to do I will. I’d love to do one last really nice part.”

He will next be seen in Good Ship Murder on Channel Five.

The actor also revealed he was single again after splitting from ex-wife Susan Penhaligon – again.

The former couple met on set of Emmerdale. Duncan, best known for playing Laurel Thomas’ father Doug Potts in the soap from 2007 until 2011 and 2014 until 2020, married Susan Penhaligon back in 1986. 

Susan starred in Emmerdale as Jean Hope, the first wife of Bob Hope, in 2006.

Duncan and Susan split in 1992 and got a divorce – but seriously regretted it. 

The pair got their fairytale ending when they reconciled in 1997, but they have since split.

He added: “I sold the Highgate flat for a good profit and bought a place twice as big for half the price coming back up to Yorkshire in 2015 after Susie [Penhaligon] and I split up, and that’s the house I have now. 

“It’s in a lovely village and looks out over Ilkley Moor. It’s a 1950s detached property with four bedrooms and I rattle around in it, but I love it.”