One Emmerdale legend has made a huge announcement away from the hit ITV soap after 21 years

Emmerdale’s PC Mike Swirling has been a staple in the ITV soap since 2004.

PC Swirling, whose first episode aired 21 years ago back in April 2004, has been part of several huge storylines over the years, where he has been responsible for catching many village villains.

However, away from the hit ITV soap, PC Swirling actor Andy Moore, whose real name is Andy Whitaker, has been pursuing another passion of his – music.

Andy is releasing an album on Friday 24 October with Michael Reed titled The Black and White Detective and The Technicolour Cowboy.

The two musicians and friends met just before the Coronavirus pandemic, where they both collaborated on the late Chameleons star John Lever’s Red Sided Garter Snakes.

After working well together, the duo realised that they lived on different ends of the same street and have now collaborated to create their own album together.

The Black and White Detective and The Technicolour Cowboy will feature 13 tracks.

The album includes their debut single Out And About, as well as Don’t You Love Me, Mr Potatohead (Woozy Psychedelia), The River, Watching The Rain and Here.

Fans have already been sharing their support with one person writing: “Great song can’t wait x”.

A different account put: “Looking forward to it” while another commented: “Can’t wait for this, Andy! (or do you prefer Whit?)”, adding: “Great gothy textures and sounds, but what really struck me is your songwriting at the heart of it all. Cheers x.”

It comes as in 2022, Andy shared his latest musical accomplishment with fans on his Facebook page. He posted a YouTube video by indie band Courting, proudly displaying his work.

As well as Emmerdale, Andy has appeared in numerous television programmes, including Sky Peals in 2023, Fred and Marv in 2021, The Bill in 2007, The Royal in 2006 and Dream Team in 2002.

He made a guest appearance on Coronation Street in 2005 as a driver for two episodes.

Five years later, he returned to the cobbles when he took on the role of a photographer.