Thornton excited over 'Emmerdale' drama

Emmerdale's new recruit James Thornton has revealed that his character has "massive" storylines ahead.

The former Holby Blue actor will make his Dales debut on Friday after signing up to play farmer John Barton earlier this year.

Thornton's character will be joined by wife Moira (Natalie J Robb) and their teenage children Adam (Adam Thomas), Holly (Sophie Powles) and Hannah (Grace Cassidy), all tipped to be a key part of the ITV1 soap's ongoing overhaul in the coming months.

Speaking to The Mirror, Thornton revealed: "My character John is great because he is a farmer, a proper bloke. He is hardworking and quite moral - a really good character.

"They have given us some great storylines as well. As soon as we arrive, there is a massive incident and our family is right in the centre of it all.

"Our family unit is really young - we must've had our children when we were about 18. The kids are brilliant, really great actors."

The star, who is married to Gavin & Stacey's Joanna Page, added that he is looking forward to being recognised on the street after his first scenes air.

"Jo gets asked for her autograph loads - I'm getting very good at working out how to use other people's camera phones to take pictures of them with her," he explained. "Now I'm coming into Emmerdale, I've told her that she'll have to get used to taking the pictures instead!"

The introduction of the Barton family follows Gavin Blyth's appointment as Emmerdale's new series producer in January.