Secret link between Emmerdale newcomer and soap's most evil villain revealed

EMMERDALE actor Oliver Farnmouth has revealed his secret connection to the soap’s fearsome villain.

The newcomer will play John Sugden and will make his debut on Thursday as the newest member of the Sugden family, after showing up at his mother’s funeral.

Victoria puts foot in it with grieving son at mother's funeral in Emmerdale — Victoria puts foot in it with grieving son at mother’s funeral in EmmerdaleCredit: ITV

Oliver fell in love with Samantha Womack after they performed in a play togetherCredits: Instagram

They started dating a year after her split from husband Mark Womack, who also starred in Emmerdale in 2020.Credits: Getty

Oliver, 41, is currently dating former EastEnders actress Samantha Womack, 51.

Samantha, who played Albert Square legend Ronnie Mitchell, grew close to Oliver while starring alongside him in the 2019 stage adaptation of thriller The Girl On The Train.

They began seeing each other a year after Samantha split from her actor husband Mark, 63.

They were together for 19 years and had two children together, Lily, 19, and Benjamin, 23.

However, Oliver shocked fans of the soap after revealing he was “a good friend” of Mark and often gave him advice.

Mark appeared in Emmerdale as DI Mark Malone between March and August 2020.

Oliver told the Mirror: “Mark is a good friend. I spoke to him yesterday. And when I was offered[the Emmerdale role]Mark said it was a great job. He was full of praise for the place.

“I remember him (Mark) saying during filming that it was a beautiful place to work, it’s really, really great.

“When it happened, I was so excited. And it’s great. He said, ‘I told you so,’ and I said, ‘You said so.’”

Before joining the Dales, Oliver was best known for his role as Andy Carver in Coronation Street.

Emmerdale star Axed confirms departure after 15 years with emotional farewell message to fans as final scenes air

Andy was held hostage by the fearsome serial killer and villain Pat Phelan, before being brutally murdered in 2017.

John’s arrival will send shockwaves through the Yorkshire Dales, particularly for Victoria Sugden, who is the only member of the family remaining in the village.

Once at the church, Victoria gets into trouble with a grieving son at his mother’s funeral.

The darkest plots of soap operas

Over the years, shows like EastEnders, Emmerdale and Coronation Street have all tried to outdo each other with their outrageous plots in an attempt to keep us tuning in each week. But here are some of the darkest ones that have shocked fans…

EastEnders: Tony prepares Whitney (2008-2009) – Tony King first appeared in Albert Square in 2008 as Bianca’s boyfriend, played by Patsy Palmer. But it was soon revealed that he was a paedophile who had been looking after Whitney, Bianca’s adopted stepdaughter from a previous relationship, since she was 12. The shocking story attracted more than 200 complaints in a week. Whitney waited until his 16th birthday to reveal the truth to a horrified Bianca, who called the police.

Emmerdale: Holly’s drug addiction and sudden death (2010-2016) – In 2010, Holly Barton (played by Sophie Powles) became Emmerdale’s first teenage drug addict. The shocking storyline saw her take cocaine on a night out before developing a deadly addiction to heroin. Parents John and Moira desperately tried to help their daughter kick the habit, but when Holly returned in 2016 after a four-year absence, she quickly relapsed. Fans were left shocked and heartbroken when a distraught Moira found Holly dead in her bed from a heroin overdose.

Hollyoaks: The Rape of Luke (2000) – Actor Gary Lucy was just 17 when he took on this groundbreaking storyline, in which his character Luke Morgan became the first male rape victim in a soap opera. Luke had endured a long-running campaign of harassment from his football rival Mark Gibbs – who raped him after Luke stood up to him. Luke had suicidal thoughts after the brutal attack, before opening up to his brother Adam. Gibbs was sentenced to eight years in prison. Gary won Best Actor at the British Soap Awards in 2000 for his performance.

Coronation Street: Villain Richard Hillman (2001-2003) – The mere mention of ‘Richard Hillman’ is enough to send shivers down the spines of soap fans. He’s often ranked among the most evil soap villains and it’s not hard to see why. The smooth-talking financial advisor hit his ex-wife Patricia over the head with a shovel. In an attempt to silence his mother-in-law Audrey, he set fire to her house. And when Maxine caught him trying to kill Emily Bishop, he put a crowbar to her head. He made his exit from the cobbles in 2003 when he drove Gail Platt, played by Helen Worth, and her family into the canal. They survived, but he didn’t.

She is stunned when the grieving son announces that his name is John Sugden.

Pollard awkwardly confirms that John may well be his father’s son.

Later, Mackenzie Boyd receives a call about a breakdown nearby and he goes to fix the problem.

When Pollard and Victoria arrive, Victoria is ready to see John again.

Will John be welcomed into the family with open arms?

Speaking about joining Emmerdale, Oliver said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining the cast of Emmerdale.

“The series has a rich history, and the Sugden family is an integral part of that. I look forward to bringing my character to life and working with such a talented and dedicated team.”

Producer Laura Shaw added: “We are delighted to have an actor of Oliver’s talent and presence joining the Emmerdale family.

“The Sugdens have always been at the heart of Emmerdale, and the introduction of a new member opens up exciting possibilities for future storylines.

“The arrival of the mysterious John will undoubtedly create a stir in the village for Victoria and the wider community.”

Emmerdale airs weekdays from 7.30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.