A SOAP star had the perfect response for an online troll who’d claimed his career had ‘gone down the toilet’.

Reece Dinsdale, 64, has held regular roles in ITV soaps Emmerdale and Coronation Street.

He has since directed episodes of both shows – and made sure to let a critic know he is still working.

Their discussion kicked off over politics, after Reece criticised Nigel Farage amid the ongoing election campaign for Reform UK.

One X user wasn’t happy with how he interpreted the situation, and tweeted in response: “Shame that your career has gone down the toilet and you’re just bitter and twisted. Oh well, never mind.”

Reece soon responded to the message, as he wrote: “Presently rehearsing a major role in a play at Chichester, followed immediately after by a stint directing two of the nation’s most popular television dramas right up until next April.

lled off
“As toilets go, this is a particularly fragrant one.”

The Yorkshire-born star stepped foot onto the cobbles in 2008 to play Joe McIntyre – father to Michelle Keegan’s beloved character, Tina.

During Joe’s time in Weatherfield, the character also became the fourth husband to soap legend Gail (Helen Worth) – who had also gone by the married surnames Tilsley, Platt and Hillman by that point.

After leaving the ultimately ill-fated Joe behind in 2010, Reece would embark on another soap role a decade later, when he joined the cast of Emmerdale.

He was cast as the villainous Paul Ashdale, father to Vinny Dingle (Bradley Johnson) and remained as a cast member until the following year, when the character was brutally killed off.

Earlier this year, fans showered Reece with support when the star announced he was taking time off work after a family tragedy.

Taking to social media, he told followers: “Following the death of my Ma (& moving house), at 64 I’ve taken a decision to have some time out from work.

“Many months in fact. I’ve never done that consciously.

“I’ve stuff lined up down the line, so I know that’s easy for me to say. However, I’m loving every bloody second of it!”

However, Reece promised fans he was “going nowhere” as they flooded him with support.

One said: “Good for you! I remember your smiley Mum on the front row of your show. Lovely family indeed. Enjoy your well earned break.”

Another added: “Sorry to hear about your ma Reece you deserve a rest looking great for 64.”

A third commented: “Time is a human construct, take as long as you want.”