James Barton (Bill Ward) Emmerdale
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.
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