Former Coronation Street star Oliver Farnworth has joined the cast of Emmerdale.
The actor, best known for his role as Andy Carver in the ITV soap, will swap Weatherfield for the Dales as he arrives in the village to play John Sugden, heralding a new generation of the family who were introduced during the show’s first episodes in 1972.
John will shake things up for Victoria Sugden (Isabel Hodgins), one of the only remaining family members in the show alongside Andy’s daughter Sarah.
Described as ‘brooding and mysterious’, John hides many secrets, but what relationship is he to Vic, and how will his arrival impact her?
John will introduce fresh challenges and intriguing relationships as he becomes entwined in the history of the Sugden family. Perhaps unsurprisingly, he’ll also catch the eye of an unsuspecting resident.
Discussing his arrival to the show, Oliver said: ‘I am absolutely delighted to be joining the cast of Emmerdale. The show has such a rich history, and the Sugden family is integral to that. I’m looking forward to bringing my character to life and working with such a talented and dedicated team.’
Emmerdale’s producer, Laura Shaw, expressed her enthusiasm for Oliver’s arrival: and added: ‘We are thrilled to have an actor with Oliver’s talent and presence join the Emmerdale family. The Sugden’s have always been central to Emmerdale, and introducing a new member opens up exciting possibilities for future storylines.
‘Mysterious John’s arrival will no doubt create a stir in the village for Victoria and the wider community.’
Also teasing John’s arrival, new producer Sophie Roper mused: ‘We’ve got some returning and new exciting faces coming into the show over the next few months. I’m pleased to confirm that we’ll have Oliver Farnworth joining us as a new casting and he’s coming in to the show as a new Sugden. The Sugdens, just like the Dingles, are an iconic family group in Emmerdale and we’re keen to cement them back in the show so Oliver’s a brilliant new addition, incredibly talented and we’re looking forward to welcoming him.
‘He’s going to bring lots of drama to the Dales which I’m going to keep quite tight-lipped about for now.’
Oliver portrayed Andy Carver from 2014-2017 in Coronation Street. Initially introduced as the son of Les Dennis’ character Michael, the focus on Andy took a dark and horrific turn when he became one of Pat Phelan’s many victims.
After Phelan attacked Andy with a laptop, it was later confirmed he survived the beating. The evil man had taken Andy to a remote and abandoned house and chained him up in the cellar.
He was kept in the basement for months. Phelan would visit Andy and provide him with painkillers, food and water, all while spinning a massive web of lies to partner Eileen Grimshaw (Sue Cleaver).
Sadly, as much as we hoped and prayed he’d live to tell the tale, Andy’s life came to an end when Phelan shot him and then threw his body in the pond.
