NEW spoiler pictures reveal Oliver Farnworth’s first scenes as the long-lost John Sugden in Emmerdale.
Earlier this month, Emmerdale bosses announced they cast former Corrie actor Oliver Farnworth to play their brand new on screen eye candy.
Oliver, 41, is best known by soap fans for playing doomed Andy Carver in Coronation Street.
The waiter was brutally murdered by Pat Phelan during his reign of terror on the cobbles in 2017.
But now seven years on Oliver will return to screens as John Sugden in Emmerdale.
His arrival will send shock waves through Yorkshire Dales – especially for Victoria Sugden – who is the only remaining family member in the village.
John’s connection to the character, played by Isabel Hodgins, is being kept under wraps, including the consequences of his appearance.
New spoiler pictures have revealed Oliver’s character John Sugden turn up at the church in formal attire, approaching Victoria Sugden (Isabel Hodgins) and having an exchange.
These scenes will air on Thursday 8th August 2024.
Once she arrives at the church, Victoria puts her foot in it with a bereaved son at his mum’s funeral.
But she is left stunned when the bereaved son announces his name is John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth).
Pollard (Chris Chitell) awkwardly confirms John could well be her father’s son.
Later, Mack Boyd (Lawrence Robb) receives a call from a nearby breakdown and he heads off to sort it out.
When Pollard and Victoria show up, Victoria’s made up to see John again.
Speaking about joining Emmerdale, 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.”
SOAP viewers are frequently left heartbroken after watching some of their favourite characters bite the dust.
Here is a list of the most devastating deaths that have taken place in soapland over the years.
EASTENDERS
Barry Evans – Evil Janine (Charlie Brooks) lured her trusting fiance to Scotland for a quickie marriage after learning he was dying.
Her plan to inherit Barry’s fortune was thwarted when Barry told her that the doctors had mixed up his medical files.
Furious that she was no longer set for a windfall, she pushed Barry off a cliff after telling him their love was “fake”.
Bradley Branning – Bradley was accused of killing Stacey Slater’s rapist Archie Mitchell (Larry Lamb) after he punched him twice on the night he died.
He was spotted in the Square by a police woman who chased him up a fire escape.
Bradley lost his balance and tragically plunged to his death.
CORONATION STREET
Tina McIntyre – Tina was getting it on with Peter Barlow – despite him being married to Carla Connor.
When she threatened to reveal the truth, Carla’s brother Rob got into a physical altercation with her.
Tina lost her footing and fell off a balcony – then warned Rob she was going to tell the cops he pushed her.
In a panic, Rob brutally clobbered her over the head with a metal pipe.
EMMERDALE
Sarah Sugden – After the family got into financial problems, Sarah’s son Andy (Kelvin Fletcher) decided to make some quick cash from an insurance company by setting fire to the Sugden barn.
He didn’t realise his mum was inside the building, and she got trapped in the blaze.
Nine villagers – The shocking 1993 plane crash episode brought in 18 million viewers for Emmerdale.
Mark Hughes was killed by a falling wall, Archie Brooks was burned by jet fuel, Elizabeth Pollard was killed by debris and newcomer Leonard Kempinski died in a car crash caused by the crash.
Five other non-recurring characters from the village also died.
HOLLYOAKS
Carmel McQueen – The talented singer died in shocking scenes when a train crashed into a her family’s car.
Carmel managed to free her cousin Theresa from the rubble – but got stuck in it herself.
Moments later the train exploded and Carmel died in the arms of her family members, promising to be their guardian angel.
Producer Laura Shaw 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.”
The news following the recent exit of Emile John (Ethan Anderson) and the upcoming double exits of Brahmdeo Shannon Ramana (Suni Sharma) and Lewis Cope (Nicky Miligan) plunging the soap into a crisis.
“There are no hunks left in the Dales, it’s unthinkable,” said a source.
Everything you need to know about Emmerdale
