There’s a new Barton in town when Moira receives an unexpected visit from her late husband’s brother James Barton to be played by actor Bill Ward.
Farmer James Barton is a single father to 3 grown up sons. He was John’s older brother, although the pair had a rift that wasn’t healed before John’s untimely death last year.
Bill will start filming in September and will be on screen from late October. Bill has a wealth of television and stage credits to his name and is best known for his role in Coronation Street, Cold Blood and the West End musical Spamalot.
Bill says: “I’m really looking forward to it. The Emmerdale team are a very talented bunch indeed and I’m extremely chuffed to have been asked to join them.”
Kate Oates, Emmerdale series producer says: “I’m delighted to welcome Bill to the show. The Barton family have always been extremely popular with our audience and the arrival of James will be the start of a new era for them.”
Emmerdale is produced by ITV Studios and appears on ITV Monday to Friday at 7pm with an extra episode at 8pm every Thursday.