James Barton (Bill Ward) Emmerdale

[Perdita]

Emmerdale bosses have announced that former Coronation Street star Bill Ward is joining the soap.

The actor has landed the role of John Barton's older brother James and will begin filming in September.


Bill Ward
© WENN
Former 'Corrie' star Bill Ward


James's first scenes will see him pay an unexpected visit to Moira (Natalie J Robb) at Butler's farm.

The newcomer is a farmer and single father to three grown-up sons. Viewers will soon discover that he had a rift with his sibling which wasn't healed before John's untimely death last year.

Speaking of his new role, Ward commented: "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."

Emmerdale's series producer Kate Oates added: "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."

Ward is best known to soap fans for his role as the villainous Charlie Stubbs on Coronation Street between 2003 and 2007. His other credits include Cold Blood and the West End musical Spamalot.

Emmerdale fans will see the arrival of James in October.

[tammyy2j]

Oh some new eye candy for the Dales

[britgirl]

Might be interesting to see what happens with this character.

Not my cup of tea but perhaps we may see his grown up sons ��

[britgirl]

Might be interesting to see what happens with this character.

Not my cup of tea but perhaps we may see his grown up sons 😉

[tammyy2j]

Might be interesting to see what happens with this character.

Not my cup of tea but perhaps we may see his grown up sons ��

He will probably be put with Moira maybe they even have a romantic history

[tammyy2j]

.

[britgirl]

I wonder what this rift was that he had with John? Was Moira involved? Money?

Or is it something that's never been done before???

[britgirl]

I wonder what this rift was that he had with John? Was Moira involved? Money?

Or is it something that's never been done before???

[lizann]

He will probably be put with Moira maybe they even have a romantic history

for once can a man and woman be friends only with no romance and sex, i know moira took up with cain during her marriage and fairly quick after john's death but would she also have cheated on him with his brother who knows i guess mucky moira likes to role in the hay

[lizann]

He will probably be put with Moira maybe they even have a romantic history

for once can a man and woman be friends only with no romance and sex, i know moira took up with cain during her marriage and fairly quick after john's death but would she also have cheated on him with his brother who knows i guess mucky moira likes to role in the hay