Ex-Emmerdale star John Middleton takes on new 'villain' role in rival soap
The former vicar will be taking on the role of Froggy in Hollyoaks
Former Emmerdale actor John Middleton is set to take on a villainous role in rival soap Hollyoaks, as a character with a confirmed "dark history".
The 71-year-old is best known for his role inEmmerdale as Ashley Thomas. The long-running role saw him as the village vicar from 1996 to 2017.
He will play the character of Froggy, who is the grandfather of Clare Devine, Rex Gallagher and Grace Black.
Froggy, also known as Notorious Froggy or Fraser Black Senior, is currently sentenced in Longmere Prison but is soon to be released with plans to leave his criminal past behind.
During his time in prison, he has befriended long-term character and fellow inmate Tom Cunningham. The pair have been working together to conspire against Clare Devine.
Speaking about his new role in the Channel 4 series, John said: "From vicar to villain is quite a leap but that’s why I love this part.
"Froggy has a very dark history and he could reveal everyone’s murky past. He knows where all the bodies are buried; perhaps quite literally…"
The actor's previous TV credits include Cracker, Heartbeat, Doctors, Hetty Wainthropp Investigates, and The Ruth Rendell Mysteries, and played Colonel Pickering in the UK Tour of My Fair Lady throughout 2022 and 2023.
John's character Ashley departed from theITV soap in 2017 when he died after being diagnosed with vascular dementia. The storyline begun in 2015, and was praised by viewers for its impact.
It earned Emmerdale multiple awards, including Best Storyline, Best Single Episode (which was filmed from Ashley's perspective), and Best Male Dramatic Performance for the actor himself.
Hollyoaks is available to stream from 7am on Monday to Wednesday on Channel 4 or to watch live on E4 at 7pm.