John Sugden is set to make his debut on Emmerdale very soon with actor Oliver Farnworth cast as the mysterious new arrival – but what is he hiding?

John Sugden is set to make his debut in Emmerdale very soon to bolster the Sugden family name in the village.

The Sugdens are one of the biggest families in the Dales but they have dwindled over the years, with Victoria Sugden the only one really left in the village. Soon, though, she won’t be alone – as John arrives.

It isn’t long before we find out that John is her half brother, and Pollard confirms there could be a family connection between them because of their shared dad. What will his arrival bring for Victoria and the wider village?

Here’s all we know about John so far – and what he might be hiding.

Who is John Sugden?

John Sugden is set to cause chaos when he arrives in the Dales very soon. He describes himself as “enigmatic” and has a military past. He sees himself as a “lone wolf” but what will happen when he meets his half sister Victoria?

Speaking to The Mirror and other press, he teased: “I’ve been here a few weeks now, and it’s just been a dream. It really is going right into the deep end with the character. He’s got a pretty amazing backstory. Obviously half brother to Victoria, which we find out quite quickly, but there’s a whole lot of depth to him and little bits just kind of coming out now, but it’s been a whirlwind.”

Insisting John would get involved in a lot of aspects of the village when he arrives on screen, Oliver added: “I’ve been here, there and everywhere. I’ve been on all sets, been on location and driving vans, been getting up to all sorts of mischief. It’s been absolutely brilliant and I’ve been really welcomed by everyone as well. It’s been so nice.”

Of his character, he shared: “He’s enigmatic really. There’s there’s a lot to him. I’m still finding stuff out about him. We find out quite quickly that he’s got a military past. He’s openly gay. He is very much a lone wolf. I think over the years, he’s really put walls up and not let anyone in. And that’s his kind of method of self preservation. He doesn’t like people getting close to him.”

Who plays John Sugden?

Oliver Farnworth has been cast as the mysterious new John Sugden. Speaking about joining the show, he said: “I am absolutely delighted to be joining the cast of Emmerdale. The show has such a rich history, and the Sugden family is integral to that. I’m looking forward to bringing my character to life and working with such a talented and dedicated team.”

Emmerdale’s Producer, Laura Shaw, added: “We are thrilled to have an actor with Oliver’s talent and presence join the Emmerdale family. The Sugden’s have always been central to Emmerdale, and introducing a new member opens up exciting possibilities for future storylines. Mysterious John’s arrival will no doubt create a stir in the village for Victoria and the wider community.”

Oliver played Andy on Corrie (Image: ITV)

What has Oliver Farnworth been in before?

Oliver will be best known to soap fans for starring in Coronation Street, where he played Pat Phelan’s victim Andy Carver. He also had a starring role as Will Hackett in Hollyoaks and is dating Samantha Womack, who fans will known as Ronnie Mitchell in EastEnders.

“I’m not recognised for Coronation Street,” he recently admitted, “I got to die twice at the hands of Pat Phelan which is a badge of honour. Hollyoaks was my first job out of drama school, and I lasted nine months on that – it was a steep learning curve.”