In a light-hearted and revealing interview on the Off Script podcast, Emmerdale favorite Danny Miller opened up about a cheeky piece of mischief he got up to while filming the long-running ITV soap. Chatting with former co-star Kelvin Fletcher, Miller didn’t hold back as he recalled the comical story of how he “borrowed” a very noticeable prop from the iconic Woolpack pub set — a branded parasol.
Danny, who has portrayed the brooding Aaron Dingle on and off since 2008, admitted that he had his eye on the parasol for quite some time. It was emblazoned with the fictional lager brand “Ephraim Monk,” a staple in the world of Emmerdale, and had been stationed outside the Woolpack in full view. The temptation became too much to resist. Danny’s moment came one day when he found himself driving his minuscule car – so small, he described it as barely being able to accommodate one person without practically sitting on someone’s lap. Despite the impracticality, he went for it.
In his own words, he described the humorous challenge of squeezing the oversized parasol into his tiny vehicle. He had to roll the passenger window down and let the parasol stick out, a decision that made the drive home a bit of a slapstick ordeal. “This Ephraim Monk thing going ‘t-t-t-t-t-t-t’ as I was driving,” he chuckled, imitating the sound of the parasol flapping against the wind and occasionally smacking him in the head every few minutes as he drove along the M62. It was a classic case of poor planning for a priceless payoff.
But the comedy didn’t end there. Once Danny had the parasol safely at home, he proudly showed it off to a friend — none other than Emmerdale actor Adam Thomas, who plays Adam Barton on the show. Thomas wasn’t quite as impressed as Miller had hoped. With a laugh, Danny recalled Adam peeking at the unusual item sticking out of his car and bluntly asking, “Is that from work?” Danny confirmed it, only to be met with the hilariously savage remark: “That is so sad.” Embarrassed, Danny took the parasol down, and what followed was even more amusing.
When he returned to the set a couple of weeks later, Danny was on a tea break when he passed by some of the prop managers doing inventory. He overheard them casually wondering aloud, “Sure we’re missing a parasol,” completely unaware that the culprit was standing just a few feet away. Danny didn’t elaborate on whether he confessed to the deed or quietly let the mystery linger, but the mischief seemed all in good fun and typical of the camaraderie that often characterizes life on set.
The conversation then shifted gears as Danny revealed another behind-the-scenes tidbit that had a direct impact on the show’s storyline. At one point during his return to Emmerdale, Danny suffered a nasty injury that threw a wrench into the writers’ plans. Though details were kept to a minimum, he acknowledged that the injury was serious enough to force the creative team to rethink and rewrite parts of his comeback arc. It’s a reminder of how real-life circumstances — even for seasoned actors — can reshape the scripted world of soaps in unexpected ways.
Danny’s revelations, equal parts mischievous and candid, provide a refreshing glimpse into the off-screen antics that fans rarely get to witness. It paints him as both deeply human and playfully rebellious — not unlike his on-screen alter ego, Aaron, who is known for pushing boundaries and acting on impulse. Yet, unlike Aaron’s often emotionally charged storylines, this anecdote is rooted in pure comedy and nostalgia.
More than just a funny tale, this behind-the-scenes moment from Danny Miller is a testament to the strong bonds between the cast and the unpredictable nature of life on a TV set. While soaps are known for their explosive drama, tearful goodbyes, and shock twists, it’s these off-camera stories that give fans a deeper appreciation for the people who bring the drama to life. From a pilfered pub parasol to a rewritten return, Danny Miller reminds us that sometimes, the real drama happens between takes — and it often comes with a smile.
So the next time you’re watching Emmerdale and spot an Ephraim Monk parasol propped up outside the Woolpack, just imagine Danny Miller careening down the M62, swatting it out of his face — and you’ll know that even soap stars have their mischievous moments.
