Sutton on 'Oaks, 'Enders and Soap Awards

I recently had a chat with Emmerdale actor James Sutton to hear his thoughts on Ryan Lamb's shock arrest storyline.

If you haven't already seen the main interview, click here to see what James had to say.

Alternatively, read on for the star's thoughts on his old soap Hollyoaks, Emmerdale's new cast and his former boss Bryan Kirkwood's new position at EastEnders.

There's been a few new signings at Emmerdale recently, with the likes of Pauline Quirke and Jake Roche joining the cast. Have you had a chance to meet them yet?
"Yeah, I've met Jake and he's a super lad, a really nice guy. I've met Pauline briefly and she was lovely - that's a great casting; really, really good as she's fantastic."

The British Soap Awards were a bit disappointing for Emmerdale this year…
"A bit?! It was a travesty not to give Danny Miller an award, and you can quote me on that. I'm sure you're sick of hearing this, but to not give that kid an award was just a joke, it really was. But there's not a plot against Emmerdale or anything - obviously we don't get the viewing figures that EastEnders and Corrie get, and they're very strong shows as well. But I think we all felt a little bit frustrated. It's the same with every soap - we all put so much work in, and these stories that we do take an awful lot of effort and a long time to shoot. I think I speak for people at other soaps as well when I say that Danny should have won something. By the same token, I know how strong EastEnders and Corrie were last year. But it would have been nice to have won a couple."

Hollyoaks has had some bad press recently - do you think it can bounce back now that Paul Marquess is in charge?
"Well, I don't like to read bad press about Hollyoaks. I haven't seen it myself so I can't really comment, but from what I've read, it hasn't been up to the high standard that it should be at. I don't know Paul myself, I've never met the guy, but from what I've heard, it seems like it's going in the right direction now. There's some great actors on that show. I know that he's brought in a lot of new characters and I've heard that he's got rid of an awful lot as well. That might be good for the show. A lot of the time when new producers come in, they get called the 'axeman' and get rid of half the cast and bring in new people, but that's kind of part and parcel of it. I genuinely wish him all the best and I hope that Hollyoaks goes from strength to strength, because I had a really great time there. I want to hear nice things about Hollyoaks."

Have you been watching EastEnders now that Bryan Kirkwood's episodes are coming through?
"Yeah, I have. I'm really digging EastEnders at the moment. I'll be honest, I've never really been much of a soap fan because I'm always working or whatever, so I've never really watched that much, but EastEnders really is fab at the moment. I've seen bits of what Lacey's been doing and she's phenomenal. And there's some really exciting stuff coming up on EastEnders as well. A friend of mine has just directed some stuff over there, and from talking to Bryan, they're all really excited - as they should be. I think that EastEnders is going to go from strength to strength under Bryan. He's a top bloke and a great boss. They're really lucky to have him and that show's just going to get better and better and better."

You mentioned in an interview last year that you were keen to start driving - have you started your lessons yet?
"Yes, I have! I'm well on my way. Be careful if you're crossing the road in Leeds! I've been having lessons for quite a while, but only in an automatic because I can't be bothered with a manual. I think I'm going to need a few more lessons, but I want to have passed by October. That would be ideal. I need to do my theory as well, but I just can't be bothered to study! I have tried to pull my finger out a bit, though!"

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