'Emmerdale' actor James Hooton sparks debate with Covid vaccine tweet

Emmerdale’s James Hooton has sparked a debate after saying he may not get the COVID vaccine.

The actor – who stars as Sam Dingle on the ITV soap – posted a message on Twitter saying that he might not have the jab and that he is “pro immune system, pro informed choice”.

He tweeted: “I’m 47yrs old. I take Vit c, d, zinc, b-12, Q10 and anti virals such as Andrographis, Sambucus, Curcumin, Along with regular exercise and a varied diet.

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“I may not be taking a Covid vaccine.

"I may be labelled ‘anti vaxxer’ for being pro immune system, pro informed choice.”

The post triggered something of a debate on social media.

Some people backed the actor and said he was entitled to his opinion and to make his own choice for his own body.

But others said his message was “irresponsible”, given that he is in the public eye.

“IMO... When you are in the public eye, you shouldn't be speaking out against the vaccine; especially when the world's leading infectious disease doctors are telling us that it is vaccinations that will end this pandemic,” one person tweeted.

“I don't care if you have the vaccine or not, but you have followers who may now decide not have it, because of your decision,” said another. “They will see your vitamin regime and think they will be safe if they do the same.”

Some people have also said they are "disappointed" in the actor.

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Hooton has been playing Sam Dingle since 1995.

His other television credits include The Bill and Heartbeat and he appeared on the big screen in the film Twenty Four Seven in 1997.

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