Stonemason Ben Whitehead has carved out a successful career for himself since being thrust into the spotlight as a child actor on ITV soap Emmerdale.
Stonemason Ben Whitehead has carved out a successful career for himself since being thrust into the spotlight as a child actor on ITV soap Emmerdale.
Ben who hails from Otley has been working out of Mone Brother’s Blackhill Quarry for the past 9 years.
Ben commented: “I started out in the yard as a lad and gradually learnt the art of stone masonry on the job. I had some great mentors and they’ve passed me the knowledge I need to carry out my work.
“I love what I do and have worked on some great projects over the years,” added Ben who’s latest project is to hand carve lettering on to a millstone for a new playground in Burley in Wharfedale.
Ben starred as Sam Skilbeck from just 2 weeks old up until the age of 8 before his ‘Emmerdale’ family moved away.
Mone Brothers Blackhill Quarry, has been used by Emmerdale as a filming location on a number of occasions.
Ben added: “There are strong links with Emmerdale here with the latest filming last year involving a car driving off the edge of the quarry into a lake. It was exciting to watch but I wouldn’t swap my current career to go back to TV.
“It’s very satisfying to see your own expertise on show right across Yorkshire,” concluded Ben.
