Oliver Farnworth plays the role of newcomer John Sugden in Emmerdale. He’s described as a complex individual with a military background.
John is the long-lost son of Emmerdale icon, Jack Sugden. He’s half-brother to Victoria, Robert and Andy, which also makes him Sarah’s uncle.
Viewers first meet John on the side of the road getting jiggy with Aaron. But they only find out who he really is the following night at the funeral of his late mother, Barbara, who had a fling with Jack in the 1980s. Victoria is also there by chance, and is stunned to discover she’s got a sibling she never knew about.
Vic is desperate to get to know her big brother, but John isn’t the easiest of people to get along with.
“He is very much a loan wolf,” Oliver has said of John. “I think over the years, he’s really put walls up and not let anyone in. He doesn’t like people getting close to him. He’s very self-sufficient – he lives off grid in his van. Doesn’t need anyone, doesn’t need family.”
John is also openly gay, and there have been rumours of a possible future romance between him and Aaron Dingle. Watch this space!
Who did Oliver Farnworth play in Hollyoaks and Coronation Street?
Soap fans will probably recognise Oliver for his previous roles in Hollyoaks and Coronation Street.
Oliver made his TV debut on Hollyoaks, playing creepy predator Will Hackett between September 2006 and May 2007.
Will was a former child prodigy who’d attended Oxford university, but he also harboured a sinister side. He manipulated his flat mates and terrorised girlfriend Zoe Carpenter by stalking her. Will’s crimes were eventually uncovered and he was sectioned under the mental health act.
Oliver also had a three-year stint on Coronation as Andy Carver – a role that made him a household name.
Andy was first introduced as Gavin Rodwell, the ‘long-lost son’ of Michael Rodwell. It was later revealed Andy was masquerading as Gavin, but he and Michael’s wife Gail Platt continued to conceal the truth. Michael was heartbroken to discover Andy had been conning him, but he eventually forgave him.
Andy’s downfall came when he wound up getting involved with Pat Phelan. The serial killer held Andy hostage in a basement for months before finishing him off with a single bullet. His brutal murder has gone down as one of Corrie’s most explosive exits.
What else has Oliver been in?
Oliver’s acting CV includes a number of popular ITV dramas.
He appeared in three episodes of 1960s medical series The Royal, and also episodes of Mr Selfridge and Endeavour.
Oliver’s theatre credits include The London Plays, Saturday Night and Sunday Morning, as well as Shakespeare productions, Midsummer
Night’s Dream and The Merchant of Venice.
In April 2010 he trod the boards of the West End in Holding the Man at the Trafalgar Studios.
Emmerdale newcomer Oliver Farnworth has a famous soapstar girlfriend
Oliver has been in a relationship with former EastEnders star Samantha Womack since 2021.
The couple met in 2019 when they starred opposite one another in the stage adaptation of The Girl On The Train, and currently live together in Spain.
Samantha is of course known to millions for her role as Walford’s Ronnie Mitchell. She was previously married to actor Mark Womack, who played Emmerdale villain DI Mark Malone. It’s a small world in soap!
The blended family get on like a dream. Oliver is close to Samantha and Mark’s two grown up children, Benjamin and Lily. The trio enjoy cooking together in their Spanish kitchen. Oliver is also good friends with Mark, who was on-hand to offer his support when he landed his role in Emmerdale.
Oliver told The Mirror: “Mark told me it (Emmerdale) was a great job. He was full of praise for the place, saying it was such a gorgeous place to work. And it is great!”
Read more: Spoilers: John Sugden arrives in Emmerdale and he could be Victoria’s half brother
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
