'Emmerdale' bosses fear James Sutton exit

Emmerdale bosses are reportedly desperate for James Sutton to sign his new contract to remain with the soap.

The Sun reports that Sutton is currently signed to play Ryan Lamb until next March, but the Yorkshire soap chiefs fear that he could become the latest star to quit.

Alice Coulthard (Maisie Wylde), Amanda Donohoe (Natasha Wylde) and Lyndon Ogbourne (Nathan Wylde) have all recently confirmed their exits.

Sutton has reportedly told bosses that he is considering his options after moving from Leeds to a new flat in Liverpool, which he bought when he starred in Hollyoaks.

"Losing one star is an accident - losing four is careless," a source told the paper. "The Wylde family leave over Christmas and New Year. If Ryan goes as well it's a hammer blow to carefully worked-out plans."

They continued: "After the Wylde clan dropped off one-by-one, they started storylining big plans for James's character Ryan, who is massively popular with viewers. The plan was to get him out of jail and back in the village by New Year.

"But that could all change if James doesn't sign up again. He's just not happy in Leeds now he's split with Sammy [Winward]."

The ITV soap is now apparently trying to find a family to replace the Wyldes in Home Farm.

"Home Farm is the centre-piece of Emmerdale," the insider said. "It's a big house which needs a proper dynasty. This is a massive setback and the hunt will be on for a new family."

An Emmerdale spokeswoman reportedly confirmed that Sutton is negotiating his new contract.