In January’s episodes of Emmerdale, Tony Audenshaw has had his chance to shine in the start of a new storyline for his character, Bob Hope.
Bob’s son, Heath, sadly died in a car accident after going joyriding which sparked Bob’s grief journey.
Emmerdale fans have now shared their appreciation for Tony Audenshaw’s acting in recent scenes.
Emmerdale: Heath died in joyriding scenes
With the adults preoccupied with a party at the B&B on New Year’s Eve, Cathy, Heath and Angelica went out joyriding in Wendy’s car.
With Angelica and Heath flirting in the back of the car, they told Cathy to put her foot down so that they could get to a party in Hotten.
Bob and Wendy tried to track the teens down and soon found their vehicle in a bad state. The youngsters had been in an accident.
As the New Year’s Day fireworks went off in the background, Wendy’s attempts at CPR couldn’t save Heath after the injuries he’d sustained. He was dead.
Cathy and Angelica survived the accident, with Bob soon blaming Cathy for killing her brother. The scenes that followed then showed Bob’s anger and grief over what had happened.
Emmerdale fans applaud Tony Audenshaw’s performance
Tony Audenshaw has been used to playing the cheery and humorous side of Bob over the past few years. However, his recent grief scenes have proved that he’s got quite the range and fans have now rushed to praise the actor online.
One impressed Emmerdale fan wrote: “All of the awards to Bob/Tony.”
Another said: “Sad situation but great to see Bob having a strong storyline, allowing his acting to shine. Bob doesn’t have to be the slapstick joke of the village as often. Tony Audenshaw, great actor.”
Sad situation but great to see Bob having a good storyline allowing acting to shine 🙌 bob doesn't have to be slap stick joke of the village as often. Tony Audenshaw great actor #Emmerdale @emmerdale pic.twitter.com/LXMBDXzFOi
— matthew zee-miller (@MattZeeMiller) January 3, 2024
That final scene with Bob & Wendy was soul destroying. Tony Audenshaw is a powerhouse 💔💔😭😭😭👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼#Emmerdale
— Ryan Glendenning (@RyanTheSoapking) January 2, 2024
@TonysTrials smashing Emmerdale's storyline right now. Fabulous actor making every moment feel real. Well done Tony 👏🏻
My heart is crushed for Bob 🥺#Emmerdale
— ᴇᴍᴍᴇʀᴅᴀʟᴇ2ᴅᴀᴇ (ꜰᴀɴ ᴀᴄᴄᴏᴜɴᴛ) (@Emmerdale2dae) January 2, 2024
A third fan praised: “That final scene with Bob & Wendy was soul destroying. Tony Audenshaw is a powerhouse.”
A final viewer applauded: “Tony Audenshaw’s smashing Emmerdale’s storyline right now. Fabulous actor, making every moment feel real. Well done Tony. My heart is crushed for Bob.”
More praise following Heath’s funeral
This week has seen Heath’s funeral. Bob has been struggling with his feelings, still blaming Cathy for Heath’s death and refusing to see her. He argued with her over the music for the service, not prepared to listen to her reasons for not wanting a particular song played.
Bob then told Wendy he could not go to the funeral. Brenda also didn’t attend, having been too unwell, according to Eric. It left Cathy holding up all on her own.
Bob eventually did turn up to support her and gave a moving eulogy about his son. However, he still made it clear he didn’t believe Cathy’s version of events that night. But he’s about to find out he is very wrong – because Angelica was driving, just as Cathy has continually claimed.
Fans are continuing to heap praise on Tony for his portrayal of Bob during this difficult scenes.
“How brilliant was Tony Audenshaw in tonight’s Emmerdale well done,” shared one.
Another agreed: “Tony Audenshaw is incredible tonight.”
A third added: “The actor that plays Bob has done a phenomenal job with this storyline. Today was heartbreaking to watch.”
Read more: Complete Emmerdale cast list – meet them all here!
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV, with an hour episode on Thursdays.
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