'Emmerdale' star surprised by plot response

James Thornton has admitted that Emmerdale fans think his character John Barton is being too harsh in his disputes with son Adam.

In recent weeks, viewers have seen Adam (Adam Thomas) quit his job at the Bartons' farm after growing frustrated over the way he is treated by his father. The ambitious teenager is now working for rich businessman Declan Macey, played by Jason Merrells.

Speaking on Loose Women this afternoon, Thornton confessed that the reaction to the storyline has been different to what he originally expected.

He explained: "I tell you what, when I started reading these scripts, I thought, 'This is great this, the audience will be on my side here'. Because Adam's not been turning up for work, he's turning up late and he's with his girlfriend all the time.

"But people are coming up to me on the street now, saying, 'You're being horrible to that Adam! He's a lovely lad, why are you being so horrible to him?' I'm a bit gutted about that, actually! I thought I was going to come out quite nice, but no!"

Discussing the ongoing rivalry between John and Declan, Thornton added: "What it is, Declan's got the money and the flash cars, and Adam now wants to go and work for him - he doesn't want to work for his dad anymore. John loves his son so he's a bit upset that he doesn't want to work with him. There's a lot of jealousy there."

Tonight's Emmerdale double bill sees John and Declan's feud intensify as they clash at The Woolpack.

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