Metro readers have called for PC Mike Swirling to be made a regular Emmerdale character.

The local copper has been on the show for over 20 years, with actor Andy Moore has amassing

a whopping 239 appearances in the ITV soap during that time.

He’s become a real fan favourite (Picture: ITV)

He’s also become a real fan favourite!

Given his job, PC Swirling is often seen when the residents have found themselves on the wrong side of the law, and just this week he arrested Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) for crashing into Jai Sharma’s (Chris Bisson) car and subsequently lashing out.

His more compassionate side came out when he visited Cain in the cell and asked him to open up about how he was feeling following wife Moira’s (Natalie J Robb) brain tumour diagnosis.

Swirling explained that he went through a similar traumatic time when his aunt was unwell.

This isn’t the first time we’ve seen a softer side to him – viewers will remember that he showed up to pay his respects at Zak Dingle’s (Steve Halliwell) funeral earlier in the year.

Yesterday, we posed a question to Emmerdale fans on our Facebook page – should PC Swirling become a main character?

After some great responses, it was a resounding yes!

Judith Nelson said: ‘I love PC Swirling. Yes, he has earned a permanent place on the show.’

‘Yes, definitely. We need more storyline about him and maybe his background’ added Michelle Filburn.

Leon Salmon joked, comparing him to Corrie’s bad boy detective: ‘As long as he doesn’t follow in Kit Green’s footsteps!’

‘Yes he should be in the show more. Maybe team him up with a little family and make more use of him. He had a good heart and seems to get along with Cain, could be a great addition’ suggested Sharon Walsh.

Some viewers also suggested that he could make a great partner for village superb**ch Kim Tate (Claire King)!

She’d eat him alive…

Should the soap heed our readers’ advice, this wouldn’t be the first time they’ve made a recurring character appear more regularly.

Jonny McPherson appeared as Dr Liam Cavanagh for four years before he settled down in the village permanently alongside his wife and daughter.

Across the pennines, Corrie’s DS Lisa Swain (Vicky Myers) has received critical acclaim after being promoted to regular cast status at the beginning of the year, and has been involved in a number of high-profile stories.

Now it’s over to you Emmerdale, you know what you have to do!