Newcomer John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth) is set to be thrown into the middle of a dramatic storyline when he eventually arrives in Emmerdale, as these new pictures show him – along with two other characters – caught up in a barn fire.
John – who’s relationship to Victoria (Isabel Hodgins) is currently unknown – has been seen carrying Ruby Fox-Miligan (Beth Cordingly) from a burning barn on the set of the ITV soap in Yorkshire.
In scenes set to air this autumn, Ruby can also be seen covered in dirt and soot.
As filming continued, two vehicles were spotted carrying Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley), Chas (Lucy Pargeter), Caleb Milligan (William Ash) and Will Taylor (Dean Andrews). They arrive just as new face John emerges from the flames.
It is said that Cain was then heard shouting for wife Moira as he made a run for it into the barn. The explosive scenes are thought to form the ongoing feud between Ruby and Moira, leaving us wondering if either of them will survive this ordeal.
‘It looks very dramatic. You could see Oliver’s character John rush into the fire and emerge from the smoke carrying a limp body’, a source told The Sun.
‘The soap is pushing the boat out with the big scenes but it looks like at least two huge characters are facing death. Moira and Ruby’s feud has taken a back seat to other huge drama these last few months but it looks like it could all ramp up again and potential be devastating for both women and their families. And with Emmerdale there’s always a twist so even more could be in true peril.’
This stunt was recently teased by new Emmerdale boss Sophie Roper.
She told us: ‘We’ve got a lot of stunts coming up! Some we’re actually due to be filming this week…I’m not going to tell you too much, but what I can tell you is there will be fire engines involved, so take from that what you will. It’s going to be a really explosive week of Emmerdale.’
Earlier this month, Oliver Farnworth’s casting in the ITV soap was confirmed.
The former Coronation Street star’s new character is described as ‘brooding and mysterious’. John is also set to 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.’
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.
