Exclusive: 'Emmerdale' Adam Thomas talks John Barton death aftermath: Interview
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!"
