View Full Version : James Thornton leaving including huge stunt
tammyy2j
03-04-2010, 20:15
It looks like he will cheat on Moira with Eve that didnt take long :thumbsdow
oh why! why do they do this to me, i loved there family unit,
*-Rooney-*
05-04-2010, 00:01
soaps just dont like seeing happy couples - or at least faithful couples
I'm not keen on Eve someone else would be better i guess Moira can cry on Marlon's shoulder
© ITV
Emmerdale star James Thornton has announced that he is leaving the soap.
The actor will bow out from his role as John Barton early next year after portraying the character since 2009.
Thornton commented: "I have had a fantastic time playing John for the past three years, but it's the longest I have ever played one part and the time now feels right to move on.
"I have decided to leave on a high with a big exit storyline in 2012, which I'm really excited about. I will miss all my colleagues at Emmerdale and have many very fond memories of my time in the Dales."
Emmerdale's series producer Stuart Blackburn added: "James has created a truly memorable character in John and he will be greatly missed, but his decision to leave has enabled us to play a hugely gripping and dramatic storyline which will be a highlight in Emmerdale in the coming months."
John was recently left devastated when his wife Moira (Natalie J Robb) betrayed him by embarking on an affair with bad boy Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley).
The farmer's fury over the situation will lead to him becoming a suspect when Cain is brutally attacked in a whodunit storyline which begins next week.
So maybe he is the one that attacks Cain and is then jailed, giving him his exit storyline
tammyy2j
28-11-2011, 15:26
Shame he is leaving he is the best of the Barton family
mikey001
28-11-2011, 23:35
if johns leaving the farm who will have it now???????
Serena Williams
28-11-2011, 23:36
Do you have proof that James Thorton is leaving the show? I heard about this rumour but where is the article? If James leaves the show then I guess the Barton family is over and the rest might have to leave as well?
mikey001
28-11-2011, 23:37
its on emmerdale website
will the sugdens have the farm again???
Serena Williams
28-11-2011, 23:42
Sad news I thought James Thorton's character John Barton was an outstanding father and a great character. John was one of the few decent men in the village. I think this is terrible news BUT I wonder how will the Barton family cope? Or will Emmerdale get rid of the rest of the family too? I can see the girl that plays Hannah getting the boot she never had a decent storyline. I guess the girl that plays Holly will be scrapped and I guess Adam and Moira might stay? It just won't be the same without James Thorton.
Serena Williams
28-11-2011, 23:43
I don't see how the rest of the Bartons can survive without James? What storylines could Hannah or Holly have? I think the rest of the Barton characters might be exiting next year too.
Already posted http://www.soapboards.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?108048-John-Barton&p=712832#post712832
its on emmerdale website
will the sugdens have the farm again???
I'm not sure who own's the farm, John's been paying Declan money and then Declan's offered to buy him out. Maybe Moira and the rest of the clan take the farm over ?
tammyy2j
29-11-2011, 14:04
So maybe he is the one that attacks Cain and is then jailed, giving him his exit storyline
I hope he dont die
Serena Williams
29-11-2011, 15:43
I also hope the writers don't kill off John Barton. Does anyone know why James decided to leave the show? I don't get it? James is getting a really juicy storyline now.
Chloe O'brien
01-12-2011, 14:13
So maybe he is the one that attacks Cain and is then jailed, giving him his exit storyline
Or he takes the blame for one of his daughters.
samandkai
01-12-2011, 20:20
whats the point in him having this big storyline with his farm selling burgers n meat for him to leave? cnt see the family sticking round when he goes hes the main character from the family without him cnt see them handling the farm
Emmerdale star James Thornton has promised that his character will have a "gripping" exit storyline.
Earlier this week, the actor announced he is leaving his role as John Barton and will bow out at the beginning of next year.
"It will be very dramatic and gripping. He doesn't leave in a taxi, let's just put it that way," he told PA.
"I know what happens. It's hard to not say anything. It's tricky not to give anything away. Me leaving the show ties in really nicely with the underlying storyline."
He added: "Working with Natalie (J Robb) and the Barton family, I would love to do this forever because it's so much fun. The cast are so incredible and I've had a laugh on the job. I thought about it a long time and I think the time is right."
John will be one of the main suspects when Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) is attacked, leaving him fighting for his life.
Emmerdale star James Thornton has revealed that he quit the soap to spend more time with his wife Joanna Page.
The actor, who plays John Barton in the ITV1 soap, has been living in Leeds during the week and only sees the Gavin & Stacey star when he returns to London at the weekend.
He announced last month that he will be departing Emmerdale, despite pleas from show boss Stuart Blackburn to stay, the Daily Star Sunday reports.
"When I first joined I signed for three years but it took me a while before I got it into my head that I would be staying that long," he said. "But then once I started doing it, the people and the atmosphere, I really, really enjoyed it. The main problem has been the logistics - I still live in London.
"It's been hard. When you're on a soap your life is dictated by a two-week block. If you want to go anywhere you have to put a request in four months before. I'm really lucky as I do a lot of voiceover work, which is a safety net for me coming out of the show.
"But it certainly wasn't an easy decision to make. I did start to think could I do this for a bit longer? Stu asked if he could convince me to stay but I knew I'd made the right decision to go."
He added that his exit being tied in to the attempted murder of Cain Dingle is "brilliant timing" because he didn't want his character to leave the village "out of nowhere".
Sweet of him to quit for his wife, but they may end up spending too much time together
Serena Williams
06-12-2011, 19:07
Good point and Emmerdale is a solid gig, James was getting a real good pay cheque. Acting is a precarious profession, I hope James has another acting job lined up or has saved his money because getting a good acting job like Emmerdale is not easy. I really feel this is the end of an era. I don't see how the Barton family can continue without James?
susannorwebb
07-12-2011, 14:09
I think James IS the Barton family and him leaving will lead to the rest of them going shortly after. That's the way these things usually happen. The strongest link goes and the others follow.
Serena Williams
07-12-2011, 15:24
Yes I agree, without John Barton I don't know how the Barton family storyline can continue. I feel that John was a great dad he loved his kids and his wife. Some of the characters on Emmerdale they seem so bizarre but the Barton family for the most part was presented as a nice, middle class family. I am really going to miss James he is a great actor.
LizzyBizzy
07-12-2011, 22:28
The Barton daughters are my guesses for the most at risk family members once John's gone.
Ruffed_lemur
12-12-2011, 01:13
John leaving makes it look like one of the family is guilty of Cain's attack. I doubt it's him though. Maybe covering for someone else?
Yes I agree, without John Barton I don't know how the Barton family storyline can continue. I feel that John was a great dad he loved his kids and his wife. Some of the characters on Emmerdale they seem so bizarre but the Barton family for the most part was presented as a nice, middle class family. I am really going to miss James he is a great actor.
do you really think middle class?.....
Ruffed_lemur
13-12-2011, 01:02
Good point and Emmerdale is a solid gig, James was getting a real good pay cheque. Acting is a precarious profession, I hope James has another acting job lined up or has saved his money because getting a good acting job like Emmerdale is not easy. I really feel this is the end of an era. I don't see how the Barton family can continue without James?
I think they can. Moira is a strong character, although her affair with Cain was out of character IMHO.
2012 looks like it's starting with a bang on Emmerdale as the show will be airing a huge stunt next month, it has emerged.
This Morning's soap correspondent Sharon Marshall announced the news on today's edition of the ITV1 magazine show after seeing some of the scenes being filmed yesterday.
Emmerdale's team have been shooting the dramatic moment on night shoots all this week. However, exact details of the stunt are being kept closely under wraps for now.
Sharon said today: "The cast and crew are working every single night until 3am in the morning. It's a top secret stunt - they've got a stunt crew, fire engines, paramedics on stand-by. They're really big scenes coming up in about six weeks' time which are top secret."
She added: "It's going to be big."
Emmerdale continues at 7pm on ITV1.
Seems like John's departure ?
Seems like John's departure ?
He'll probably be killed off.
tammyy2j
12-01-2012, 19:44
I hope it is not another fire
Filming will continue tonight on the moors above Silsden and Riddlesden on a major action sequence for Emmerdale.
Real emergency crews are involved in the expensive stunt being filmed over two nights for the popular ITV1 soap.
The Emmerdale production team would not tell the Keighley News what the the sequence was or which actors were involved.
Press officer Hannah Green said: "It's a big dramatic storyline that will be on screen in February.
"It does involve a big stunt so we've had paramedics and fire crews."
Why do the Producers of Emmerdale feel the need to outdo the other soaps?
Don't they realise, Why viewers watch Emmerdale?
It is because the other soaps are too depressing, violent, shocking and we want to be Entertained, not Shocked!
We get enough shocks and worries in the real world, we (i) watch Emmerdale to escape from the real world.
I wonder how many characters they will Kill off this time?
It will probably be another explosion!! Did anyone see that corrie v emmerdale quiz thing at xmas. onr of the questions was who has had the most explosions/fires and then they showes them all in a sequence an emmerdale had 40 odd!!!
flappinfanny
12-01-2012, 23:00
i agree with other posters, why does emmy need to do this? im sure it will be dramatic and brilliantly done, but enough is enough. no more stunts/ disasters are needed. emmy has proved it is without doubt the best continuing drama with its stories and character driven plots building up over a long period. the cain/charity/jai storyline has been superb. don't spoil this.
Why do the Producers of Emmerdale feel the need to outdo the other soaps?
Don't they realise, Why viewers watch Emmerdale?
It is because the other soaps are too depressing, violent, shocking and we want to be Entertained, not Shocked!
We get enough shocks and worries in the real world, we (i) watch Emmerdale to escape from the real world.
I wonder how many characters they will Kill off this time?
The dales do it so well so why not
Because then Emmerdale will "cease to entertain", it will become just another Eastenders/Corrie Clone, (IMHO).
HUNKY farmer John Barton looks doomed to be killed off in a car crash on the Yorkshire moors.
The actor (James Thornton) has been filming the sensational scenes over the last few nights.
The massive stunt, which will see his car roll down a cliff, is so dangerous that paramedics and fire crews were on set at all times.
Bosses filmed the scenes in the middle of the moors in a bid to keep the storyline a secret. But passers-by say they spotted a battered car with a roll cage attached, newly planted trees and shrubbery as well as ropes at the opening to a quarry.
A show insider said the storyline will be the first big stunt of 2012.
“Everyone’s putting a lot of time and care into this,” said our source.
“We want it to be a massive episode for us.”
James, 36, announced his decision to quit the soap in November last year.
Speaking about what’s in store for the Barton clan in 2012, show boss Stuart Blackburn said: “The Bartons have been fantastic.
“After everything they went through with Holly it finally looked like they were making a success of things. Then in stepped Cain. The one thing that is crystal clear between Moira and John, whoever did what to whom, they absolutely adore each other.
“There’s going to be some very moving, powerful, heart*breaking drama coming up in 2012 that’s about the whole family, not just John and Moira."
tammyy2j
17-01-2012, 10:01
^ Ah crap
Holly and Adam are leaving as well
Chloe O'brien
17-01-2012, 16:01
It will only be a matter of time before Moria, Hannah and Adam wave bye bye to the dales.
tammyy2j
17-01-2012, 16:02
John was the best of that family
Serena Williams
17-01-2012, 22:49
I can't see the Barton family surviving without James. John was the star of the Barton family and without him the rest of the family just doesn't have a purpose on the show. Sad because the woman who plays Moira I heard she bought a house close to the set. I can't see Moira being on the show for much longer. I suspect the rest of the Bartons will be gone before summer.
Emmerdale appears to be turning into a clone of the other soaps, IMO.
All trying to outdo each other.
What happened to ENTERTAINMENT ?
Without all the violence, sex etc. . . . . . . .
Emmerdale star Natalie J Robb has revealed that it was "amazing" to be at the centre of the soap's latest stunt.
The actress's character Moira Barton and husband John (James Thornton) are to have a huge car accident in dramatic scenes which air in mid-February.
Moira was recently dumped by John after her affair with Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) was exposed. However, upcoming episodes see the Bartons defy the odds and decide to give their marriage another try - just before disaster strikes.
Reports suggest that the pair are travelling in Andy Sugden's Land Rover when the vehicle hits a patch of ice, skids through a crash barrier and lands on its side.
It is believed that John and Moira are then left teetering on the edge of a ravine, sparking a race against time as they desperately try to escape before the vehicle plummets down.
Robb told Soaplife of the scenes: "They're driving along, listening to all these songs from their past and reminiscing about the old times, like when they were almost caught having sex by Moira's mum. Then they suddenly hit black ice."
Asked what the stunt scenes were like to film, she replied: "Amazing. It was hard work - two night shoots - but it was quite overwhelming the way everyone mucked in and pulled together.
"We shot it all in the story order - which is very unusual - and that made it seem all the more real, and terrible."
Firm details of what happens next are being kept closely under wraps, but Robb said that she was thrilled to see Moira and John rekindling their romance before the crash.
"James Thornton and I were really happy about that," she added. "They revisit their love and there's something so nice and innocent about it."
Emmerdale airs Moira and John's car crash on Thursday, February 16 at 7pm on ITV1.
Emmerdale's Barton family are hit by tragedy later this month as John and Moira have a horrific car accident.
The estranged couple have been on bad terms for weeks in the aftermath of Moira's affair with Cain Dingle, but upcoming episodes see them realise that their marriage is worth fighting for.
After calling off plans to divorce his wife, John (James Thornton) agrees when the kids suggest that he and Moira (Natalie J Robb) should spend the night at a hotel together as they try to work things out.
The pair feel shy and apprehensive as they head off in Andy Sugden's Land Rover for their night away, but the awkward mood begins to lift when John pulls out a cassette tape of music that Moira gave him when they first got together.
Moira is touched that John has kept the gift for all these years and they reminisce over times gone by as they drive along listening to it.
Suddenly, though, disaster strikes as John hits a patch of ice in the road and the vehicle skids at high speed, crashing through an obstruction and landing on its side in the darkness. Is it the end for John and Moira?
http://i2.cdnds.net/12/05/618x383/soaps_emmerdale_sun_blog_0502_2.JPG
http://i2.cdnds.net/12/05/618x372/soaps_emmerdale_sun_blog_0502_3.JPG
http://i2.cdnds.net/12/05/618x412/soaps_emmerdale_sun_blog_0502_4.JPG
http://i2.cdnds.net/12/05/618x419/soaps_emmerdale_sun_blog_0502_5.JPG
http://i2.cdnds.net/12/05/618x402/soaps_emmerdale_sun_blog_0502_7.JPG
http://i2.cdnds.net/12/05/618x421/soaps_emmerdale_sun_blog_0502_8.JPG
http://i2.cdnds.net/12/05/618x423/soaps_emmerdale_sun_blog_0502_6.JPG
http://i2.cdnds.net/12/05/618x410/soaps_emmerdale_sun_blog_0502_9.JPG
TheBillFan
05-02-2012, 12:37
Wow, that looks awesome! Emmerdale are definitely the best soap at doing stunts
Wow, that looks awesome! Emmerdale are definitely the best soap at doing stunts
I dunno. How can anyone beat the Cardboard Funfair in Albert Square
tammyy2j
05-02-2012, 19:45
Why couldnt they kill off Moira as well as John
Why couldnt they kill off Moira as well as John
And the rest of their brood
lillabet
05-02-2012, 21:24
http://i2.cdnds.net/12/05/618x383/soaps_emmerdale_sun_blog_0502_2.JPGhttp://i2.cdnds.net/12/05/618x412/soaps_emmerdale_sun_blog_0502_4.JPG
http://i2.cdnds.net/12/05/618x383/soaps_emmerdale_sun_blog_0502_2.JPGhttp://i2.cdnds.net/12/05/618x412/soaps_emmerdale_sun_blog_0502_4.JPG
Already posted see post 48 above
lillabet
06-02-2012, 11:45
Already posted see post 48 above
Sorry
Natalie J Robb has revealed that she was injured filming next week's Emmerdale car crash stunt.
The Moira Barton actress told the Daily Record that she suffered bruises to her ribs after the first night of filming the expensive scenes with on-screen husband James Thornton (John Barton).
After rekindling their love for each other, the couple set off for a night at a hotel, when their Land Rover hits an ice patch on a country road, skidding at high speed before falling onto its side.
Robb explained that parts of the Land Rover crash were filmed inside a mechanism to simulate the effect.
"It went too slow for me," she said. "I wanted it to go faster. I love the waltzer. James wasn't so keen on it though.
"When you let the harness go it starts to crush you a little bit and felt claustrophobic. After the first night I had bruises on my rib cage, so they added padding."
Robb added: "It was spooky to shoot because it was on the moors, dark and the weather was terrible. It gave a really uneasy sense of reality to the whole thing."
Emmerdale's John and Moira accident scenes will air during Thursday's hour-long episode at 7pm on ITV1.
Luckily she was saved by her airbags
James Thornton has admitted he's looking forward to mowing the lawn and taking the bins out now he's leaving Emmerdale.
The actor is bowing out after playing farmer John Barton for two-and-a-half years and told Inside Soap that although he has loved his time on the show he is excited about having some time off.
James, whose character will be left fighting for his life after a car crash, said: "I had a brilliant time working on the crash - you always want to be involved in something as dramatic as that. But now I'm looking forward to time off, cutting the grass and sorting out the bins - all those things I haven't had a chance to do!"
The 36-year-old said he is close to his soap family and "really proud" of what they have achieved.
The actor, who is married to Gavin And Stacey star Joanna Page, continued: "But after two-and-a-half years it's time for me to do something different and see what happens. I live in London and have been away from home all this time, plus it's unusual for me to play a part as long as I have this one. I enjoy not knowing what's coming next!"
PA
Emmerdale airs James Thornton's final scenes in the coming days as his time playing farmer John Barton comes to a dramatic end.
John is about to make a huge decision as he resolves to rebuild his relationship with estranged wife Moira (Natalie J Robb), finally willing to forgive her affair with Cain Dingle.
However, as John and Moira head off in Andy Sugden's Land Rover to spend the night at a hotel together, disaster strikes as they hit a patch of ice, skid off at high speed and end up teetering dangerously over the edge of a ravine. Later, as the vehicle slips and plummets below, will John and Moira fall to their deaths?
Digital Spy recently caught up with James to hear about the huge stunt and his decision to leave Emmerdale.
How are you feeling now that your time at Emmerdale has come to an end?
"I'm really sad, actually. I've had an absolutely brilliant time here, and it's the people that I'll miss more than anything else. Being here for three years, you really get to know everyone and you build really close relationships. As an actor, it's always difficult when you finish a job - but definitely more so with Emmerdale."
As it was your decision to leave, how difficult was it to make that choice?
"It was a really difficult decision. When I took the job, I agreed to do three years and I always thought that would be it. But then once I started work, it actually surprised me just how great the job was - especially building friendships with people like Kelvin Fletcher and my on-screen family.
"As it got closer to the three years, I needed to make a decision over whether I was going to leave as planned, or stick around for a long time. In the end, I decided to carry on with my original plan, which was to do three years and then look for other jobs. I've never done a job for more than three years, as what I enjoy about being an actor is being able to play different roles. I enjoy the challenge, so it was time for me to move on."
How did the Emmerdale bosses feel about your decision?
"Our producer Stuart Blackburn was absolutely brilliant and really understanding. What was really great was that I didn't want to leave on a weak storyline, so we discussed ideas and came up with this brilliant exit plot.
"It's a real tragic love story between John and Moira, and just by chance, it tied in really well with Cain and Moira's affair storyline. Off the back of that, we were able to create a fantastic storyline for John and Moira, where the audience have been willing them to get back together."
What was your reaction when you heard about the big stunt?
"I thought it was brilliant. Stuart promised me that they were going to make this exit really big and he wanted to really get behind it. As I learned more, I discovered that the scale of John's departure was going to be huge, and that the amount of money they were spending was massive. So I was really, really pleased. As an actor, you always want to do something that's going to grab the audience's attention."
What was it like to film the stunt?
"It was really good fun. We had three consecutive night shoots, and we were working until 3am each time. It was very cold up on those moors! The filming all took place on a very tight schedule, as we had so much to shoot and it was on such a massive scale.
"But we had a fantastic team working on it and everyone just threw themselves at it. What we've managed to achieve is amazing. Michael Lacey has directed the block and we were really lucky to get such a great director.
"What's great about Emmerdale is that we're set in the countryside, so we're not necessarily tied to the studio. So that allows us to do something like this, where we are up on the top of a cliff for a massive crash storyline."
Were you able to do much stunt work?
"I did as much as the insurance company would allow me to do, so I was able to do a lot of stunt driving with swerving. I did everything up until the point where the car is launched into the air. After that, there was a stunt guy to do the huge crash.
"Then they had myself and Natalie in the vehicle again for the section where the car is teetering over the edge of a cliff. They put us into a machine like a big tumble dryer! The car went into it, we sat inside the vehicle, and it spun the car upside-down. Because the vehicle rolls when it crashes, you're able to see us rolling around, so we've got some really good shots from that. It was like being at the funfair!"
John and Moira are back together by the time of the crash. Does that mean John was ready to forgive and forget over her affair?
"Definitely. What becomes clear in this storyline is just how much John and Moira love each other, and that's what is really great about it. Because this has come off the back of the Cain and Moira storyline, it gives the whole thing a lot more power and makes it a lot more emotional."
What was your take on the spark between John and Chas?
"Well, that was because John couldn't cope with everything that had happened between Moira and Cain. He found it really hard to forgive, and he thought that his little thing with Chas would help him to move on mentally. The way I played it was that John was just forcing himself to do it. Obviously the two of them got along, but John just couldn't go through with it in the end."
We can't spoil whether John survives or not, but we know he's definitely leaving! How will the Bartons cope without him?
"I think it'll be tricky, because it's such a strong family unit. But if John dies and Moira survives, I think that would leave Moira in a really interesting situation. She's such a strong woman and she's played by a brilliant actress, and I think it would open her up to so many brilliant opportunities.
"In a way, the Barton family have been quite isolated up on the farm. They have their own little world away from the village, but now it opens it all up."
Do you think we could see bigger stuff for Adam as a result of this?
"I was talking to Stuart the other day, and he told me that there are some massive, massive plans for Adam this year. I think Adam Thomas is a brilliant actor and he's so instinctive. From what I've heard, you're going to see a different side of Adam Barton and a lot more drama for him. You'll see him tested in so many ways. It's huge, actually, what they've got planned for him."
How will you look back on your time as part of the Bartons in general?
"Looking back, I'm really proud of what we've done. When we started on the job, we all decided to stay in the same hotel, because we didn't have anywhere to live at first. We made the decision to hang out and do a lot of things together, as we wanted to quickly create that family bond. We worked really hard on it.
"It can be difficult when you're all strangers, but fortunately we all just got on really naturally. We wanted the Bartons to be an ordinary family dealing with ordinary problems. So we saw them being tested by problems with their kids, but always managing to pull through them."
Gaynor Faye joins the show next week, and you've worked with her on two other programmes. How do you feel about missing her this time around?
"It's weird! I actually bumped into her the other day. I've played her boyfriend twice now, on two different drama series. We did one called Playing The Field, about a women's football team, and another one called Between The Sheets. So when I saw her, I said, 'It looks like it's not going to be third time lucky, doesn't it?!'
What are your future career plans?
"I just want to carry on doing different projects. What's brilliant is that I took this job and I'd never done soap before. I'd done theatre, drama, films, but never a soap. It's been a really interesting experience and I've learned from it, so now I just want to carry on learning. Hopefully you never stop learning and improving in this business, so I want to carry on challenging myself."
Emmerdale star Natalie J Robb has said that she didn't mind getting hurt while filming her upcoming stunt scenes.
The actress ended up with a bruised ribcage while filming tonight's dramatic episode, which sees her character Moira and husband John (James Thornton) involved in a horrific road accident.
However, speaking on Lorraine this morning, Robb explained that she was determined to make the scenes look as true-to-life as possible.
Robb commented: "I got some bruises - I was throwing myself about. You want to make it look realistic, so I didn't mind all that.
"We did have two stunt doubles for both of us, but in the end, we didn't really use them - because you have to make it look as real as possible. It wasn't that bad, really."
Discussing the filming process, she said: "We did three night shoots. There were actually five Land Rovers that we used, and all five were in different areas - so we just kept moving to each location, to do each different set-up. It was really well thought out.
"Michael Lacey, the director, really thought about it and it was all story-boarded. He talked everything through with the crew, so everybody knew exactly what we had to do. We only had three nights to do it in, and a lot to cover."
Emmerdale airs the scenes in an hour-long episode tonight at 7pm on ITV1.
Emmerdale's Barton clan were left devastated in tonight's (February 16) episode as family patriarch John lost his life in the aftermath of a horrific road accident.
The emotional scenes marked actor James Thornton's departure from the soap following his decision to leave Emmerdale to pursue new projects.
Digital Spy recently had an exclusive chat with Adam Thomas, who plays John's son Adam, to hear what the tragic loss means for his character and the rest of the Bartons.
In the past few weeks, you've been filming some really emotional scenes for the Bartons, exploring the aftermath of John's death. How have you found it?
"It's been heart-wrenching, to be honest. On screen, the Bartons have lost the character of John, but in real life we've had to say goodbye to James as well. That's been quite emotional, but it's been a great thing to sink our teeth into. It's been a brilliant storyline for us, and we've all stuck together as a family and really worked on it. The outcome should be great to watch."
Is it strange not having James on set after three years working with him?
"It's so weird. He's been a huge influence on the family, both on screen and in real life. I really looked up to James so much, and it's definitely left a hole in the family. He's a lovely guy and it was a shock to hear that he'd be going, but it's his decision to move on and we all have to respect that.
"James will definitely work again because he's a huge talent and a lovely guy. I wish him all the best and I'll still keep in touch with him, so I'm sure he'll keep me posted with everything that's going on."
What did you think of John's big exit storyline?
"I thought the stunt was brilliant, and I'm sure James was happy with it as well. They could have just had John leave in a taxi, but instead he's gone out with a real bang."
How does Adam cope with John's death?
"Adam looked up to his dad so much and wanted to be like him, so it's a massive, massive loss for him. Now Adam has to be the man of the family. He wants to do things right and do what his dad would have done, so he wants to look after the farm and look after the family.
"But you'll see that it all gets on top of Adam - it all gets a bit too much for him at some points. It's big boots to fill and Adam is trying his best, but he's just an emotional wreck, really. He tries to plod on, but it's always there at the back of his mind."
What else can we expect from the episodes that are on the way?
"Well, Natalie J Robb, who plays Moira, has just been outstanding in the episodes that are coming up. I can't give her enough praise and respect for it. She's just got right into the character, gone the whole nine yards and absolutely smashed it.
"It's the same for the rest of us, too - we've all really gone for it as a family, and we've all had our own little parts to play. Hopefully it will come across really well on screen."
Have the grief scenes been challenging to film?
"Definitely, it's been really challenging. But at the same time, it's been really good as it's given me a chance to have a big storyline and go to town with it. I really enjoy the challenge, and it's also been really fun. I can't thank Emmerdale enough, because I've always wanted to tackle a big story like this. It's happening now, so I'm over the moon about it."
What can we expect from John's funeral episode next week?
"It's heartbreaking, the whole thing from start to finish. It's a really emotional episode for the Barton family and the village as a whole. John gets the send-off that he deserves, as it's a brilliant episode."
What are your thoughts on Sophie Powles, who plays Holly Barton, leaving the show?
"It's sad, but again, it's her path that she wants to follow and you just have to respect that. You can't be selfish about it - you just have to get on with it, and the show must go on. Sophie wants to go off and do some travelling for a while, and all credit to her. She's come here, she's done three years and she'll be doing her own thing now. I wish her all the luck in the world."
You also have a third exit to deal with, as Danny Miller is also leaving!
"I'm having a bit of a nightmare, aren't I?! (Laughs) I've never worked with anybody as unbelievably talented as that kid. He's 21 years old and he's got the world at his feet. He'll go on to do amazing things, and we'll definitely see him on our screens again soon, I can promise you that, because that talent can't go to waste."
What's coming up for Adam and Aaron's friendship?
"Now that John has died, Aaron has definitely got Adam's back. Adam has always been there for Aaron, so now it's Aaron's time to be there for Adam - and he is. At the end of the day, they're best mates and they're there to support each other. Aaron is going to play a big part in Adam's grieving for his father. It's been really fun working with Danny again - and it's nice that our characters have been getting on this time!"
What would you like to happen next for Adam?
"I'm really pleased with the way everything is going down at the moment, to be honest. There's some great stuff coming up after the funeral and I'm so, so lucky to be getting the stuff that I'm getting now. I can't thank our producer Stuart Blackburn enough, because he's really trusted me with this storyline and I'm having a ball."
Would you like Adam to get a new love interest at some point?
"Hopefully somewhere down the line, but right now I don't think Adam is interested in a relationship. You'll see him very much focused on the family, the farm and looking after his mum and his sisters. But hopefully further on in the storyline, when things start to settle down a bit, there could be. But right now, there's other things on Adam Barton's mind!"
Are you looking forward to Emmerdale's 40th anniversary later this year?
"It's all up in the air at the moment, to be honest with you. Nobody really knows what's going to happen, but there's loads of rumours going around the set! We're all wondering whether the show is going to go live or not. We'll have to wait and see what happens, but I know we'll definitely rise to the occasion!"
^ The acting was brutal tonight from the Bartons
Couldn't get past Moira's hair in the upturned landrover, so funny took the edge off the drama for me.
Couldn't get past Moira's hair in the upturned landrover, so funny took the edge off the drama for me.
in the slight darkness of the scene/filming I forst thought a tree and leaves had crash in through the window!!!
one thing - if there was ice on the road, why did the windscreen have rain on it? (for dramatic effect I know) but surely if it was warm enough to rain, the ice wouldnt started to melt
and one more thing....John had problems with his blood clotting as you do after a massive tranfusion, as per the Doctor/Surgeon that spoke to the Bartons....
in which case, why when the kids and Moira were at the deathbed talking to John, was there no blood hung up being transfused? they wouldnt have stopped as soon as he came out of theatre!
and given John had just had the aortic artery repaired, he would have had a massive heart surgery tupe chest wound - but didnt wince when Moira leaned over him for a cuddle?
bethann236
17-02-2012, 20:49
It's not real! It's just pretend! ;)
It's not real! It's just pretend! ;)
I appreciate that bethann, but that doesnt mean the writers/director shouldnt strive to get the detals right?
I find it a little insulting that they obviously think we are all thick and wont notice the errors?
I appreciate that bethann, but that doesnt mean the writers/director shouldnt strive to get the detals right?
I find it a little insulting that they obviously think we are all thick and wont notice the errors?
Maybe the writers/producers don't want to make it too realistic as young children might be watching and John would have been drugged up to his eyeballs with painkillers, would he have felt pain when Moira was leaning over him?
Maybe the writers/producers don't want to make it too realistic as young children might be watching and John would have been drugged up to his eyeballs with painkillers, would he have felt pain when Moira was leaning over him?
he would have been so drugged up he wouldnt have coherently made sense or spoken to her? I can understand it is before the watershed, so you have to 'pretty' it up a little, but doesnt it give a false impression that all hospitals and treatments are lovely and clean and we all die by flatlining after saying goodbye and a tender moment across the sheets...
he would have been so drugged up he wouldnt have coherently made sense or spoken to her? I can understand it is before the watershed, so you have to 'pretty' it up a little, but doesnt it give a false impression that all hospitals and treatments are lovely and clean and we all die by flatlining after saying goodbye and a tender moment across the sheets...
Don't you think that most of us realise that this rarely happens in reality?
Don't you think that most of us realise that this rarely happens in reality?
yes of course..
maybe its because this is 'my field' that I feel a little protective and get annoyed when it isnt portrayed true to life
yes of course..
maybe its because this is 'my field' that I feel a little protective and get annoyed when it isnt portrayed true to life
I can see that being the case :)
I can see that being the case :)
Holby City and Casualty is banned in our house due to excess shouting at the screen a=when they portray things that would never ever happen!!
Emmerdale's Natalie J Robb has confessed she'd love to see her character smiling again.
Moira Barton had a difficult few months coping with marital strife and infidelity before losing her farmer husband John in a car accident.
Now Natalie wants some uplifting storylines for grieving Moira, who had just rekindled her relationship with John before the crash.
"I've done my bit of crying now. I've cried a lot for John," she said.
"It would be nice to have some happy times for Moira - it's nice to be happy!"
But Natalie admitted she wasn't sure what lay ahead for her character on the soap.
"Who knows. They don't tell me anything. And actually, the things that they come up with I don't want to know. I just read the page and go and do it."
The actress, 37, said she was missing her former co-star James Thornton, who played John, "terribly".
Getting rid of Hannah,Adam and Holly should cheer her up. Maybe Dan might fancy his chances ?
The 37-year-old actress - who stars as Moira Barton in the ITV1 drama - will soon begin a romance with farm worker Alex Moss, played by 21-year-old Kurtis Stacey.
Speaking about the first romantic scenes between the pair, she told The Daily Record: "He starts taking his top off in the house and there's a lot of torso showing. It's not a bad body, I have to say, and I'm getting paid to look at it.
"Moira thinks he's quite sweet, and when he splits up with his girlfriend she starts to fancy him."
The actress revealed that she found it strange kissing Stacey throughout their scenes together.
"It's not because he is young, more the way he kissed me. I thought, 'Right, you've been thinking about that, sunshine'. He just went for it.
"The *producer said to me afterwards, 'I can't believe I'm putting this on at 7pm'. He said the scenes looked fantastic but he was worried about the *watershed."
Robb explained that she often dates younger men in real life, but not as young as co-star Stacey.
"They're *getting younger as I'm *getting older but you're as old as the man you feel! I'm not talking a massive age gap... possibly six years tops. I probably looked older when I was 22 than I do now.
"Age isn't an issue to me. I don't know why Harry from One Direction gets so much *criticism for *dating older women. He's enjoying life and maybe he just prefers girls who are older.
"He's a little bit young for me though - he's what you call just out of the wrapper."
Robb added that she has no plans on leaving the soap in the near future, saying: "As long as they're happy with me and I'm happy, then why change it?
"It's a lovely place to work and I'm still really enjoying it. And you know why!"
That's a funny ass post!! That Robb is super hot, lol!!
tammyy2j
30-07-2012, 10:46
James Thornton is doing the voice for Thelma Gypsy Girls show on C4 spin off the Gypsy Weddings series
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.3 Copyright © 2025 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.