Emmerdale star Oliver Farnworth made an honest confession about joining the soap as a Sugden. The 42-year-old made his debut as John Sugden in August 2024, introduced as the long-lost son of Jack Sugden. The actor realised that becoming a core part of a long-running soap was one thing, but being cast as a member of one of the programme’s most iconic families came with a certain degree of pressure. Speaking at an Emmerdale press day, the soap star admitted he was aware that pleasing all fans with his portrayal was never going to be achievable.
He said: “It is pretty massive. You want to come in with the respect of what has come before you and that family heritage. Also, as an actor, you need to put your own stamp on things.” Oliver continued: “I think you can possibly never please every single person, with something like that, because people will have fixed ideas about who a Sugden should be and what their identity is and where they came from.”
John murdered Nate Robinson (Image: ITV)
He added: “There’s a big responsibility to pay homage to that but also responsibility to yourself as an actor to do the storylines justice, in your own way, and put your own stamp on it. So, that’s important.”
John has already built up quite the rap sheet since arriving in the village, and things could be set to take an even darker turn as he prepares to marry Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller) in next week’s scenes.
Aaron is blissfully unaware that his fiancé murdered Nate Robinson (Jurell Carter) and dumped his body in the lake. John also orchestrated the chilling attacks on Chas Dingle (Lucy Pargeter), including drugging her, hurling a brick through the window of The Woolpack, as well as tormenting her and Liam Cavanagh (Jonny McPherson).
He also deliberately caused Jacob Gallagher (Joe-Warren Plant) to go into anaphylactic shock and attacked Liam, believing he was Mackenzie Boyd (Lawrence Robb).
Oliver admitted fans “cross the street” when they see him (Image: ITV)
It has since transpired that the trained medic has an obsessive hero complex and takes pleasure in rushing to the rescue when those around him face near-d.e.a.t.h situations.
Opening up about the reaction he’s received sinbce John’s dark past has continued coming to light, Oliver said: “More and more as things have been revealed, I get people crossing the street. But the reaction has been really good and I think people are interested in where it is going next.”
But John’s actions could catch up with him before he makes it down the aisle with Aaron as Belle Dingle (Eden Taylor-Draper) has been doing some digging into Nate’s disappearance.
And with the late due to be dredged, is time up for k.i.l.l.e.r John?
