'Emmerdale' James Thornton promises "dramatic" exit

Emmerdale star James Thornton has promised that his character will have a "gripping" exit storyline.

Earlier this week, the actor announced he is leaving his role as John Barton and will bow out at the beginning of next year.

"It will be very dramatic and gripping. He doesn't leave in a taxi, let's just put it that way," he told PA.

"I know what happens. It's hard to not say anything. It's tricky not to give anything away. Me leaving the show ties in really nicely with the underlying storyline."

He added: "Working with Natalie (J Robb) and the Barton family, I would love to do this forever because it's so much fun. The cast are so incredible and I've had a laugh on the job. I thought about it a long time and I think the time is right."

John will be one of the main suspects when Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) is attacked, leaving him fighting for his life.

> Emmerdale mystery: Who will attack Cain? - Poll