In the summer of 2003, Stan Richards was taken very poorly which meant Seth was away from Emmerdale for over a year. In the show, Seth went to Australia to visit Kathy, and Betty joined him in late December 2003.

Despite his ill health, in 2004, Stan made two final appearances - one via an answering machine to Betty, and this one which was a DVD of Seth singing Silent Night to Betty and the regulars for Christmas. This was his final ever appearance.

Sadly, Stan Richards died in February 2005, and the decision was taken for Seth to pass away on his way home with Kathy.

Seth was a true legend, and Stan Richards seemed such a lovely man.