James Sutton joins Emmerdale

Emmerdale’s series of new signings for 2009 continues with the casting of award-winning actor James Sutton to play Faye’s son Ryan Lamb in the ITV1 show. Read on for the full ITV Press Release…

Emmerdale’s series of new signings for 2009 continues with the casting of award-winning actor James Sutton to play Faye’s son Ryan Lamb in the ITV1 show.

James is best-known for his role as John Paul in Hollyoaks and will arrive on-screen in Emmerdale in June, when mechanic Ryan turns up in the village to stay with his mum after losing his job. Ryan quickly becomes embroiled in Faye’s (Kim Thomson) plot for revenge against Mark (Maxwell Caulfield) as Mark continues to face a battle to keep Faye’s identity under wraps, realising his secret past could blow his beloved family apart. Ryan turns the heads of the local ladies and soon becomes involved with Emmerdale favourite Katie Sugden (Sammy Winward).

James Sutton, 26, says: “I’m thrilled to be joining a show as respected and well-loved as Emmerdale. It was always on in our house when I was growing up so I’m excited to be a part of it. I’m looking forward to playing such an interesting character and one so different from previous roles I’ve played.”

In addition to his role in Hollyoaks for which he was shortlisted for Most Popular Actor at the National Television Awards in 2007, James’ previous acting credits include Casualty, Dream Team, and Trial and Retribution.

James’ casting is one in a series of new signings in place for Emmerdale. Last week it was announced that Emma Atkins will be reprising her much-loved role as Charity Tate later this year and further announcements will follow shortly, as the nation’s favourite village is re-vamped for 2009.

So far this year the Wylde family have taken the village by storm and viewers are already hotly anticipating the return of dales bad boy Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley), who is set to recommence his reign in April. The wedding of Carl (Tom Lister) and Lexi (Sally Oliver) is on the horizon, with Chas (Lucy Pargeter) forced to face the prospect of the man she loves marrying her rival. Emmerdale has also recently announced the casting of the first blind actress to appear in a British soap when Kitty McGeever joins the cast as trouble-maker Lizzie Lakely next month.

Gavin Blyth, Series Producer, says: “This year will spell a new era for Emmerdale and I’m delighted to be welcoming James to the cast as a key component in the new direction the show will be taking. James is an extremely talented actor and will bring a real presence to the role of Ryan.”