Emmerdale star to leave soap for pastures new

Emmerdale actor James Thornton is to hang up his overalls, after confirming he will leave the soap next year.
By The Newsroom
Published 30th Nov 2011, 06:00 BST

Thornton – married to Gavin and Stacey star Joanna Page – joined the ITV1 series in July 2009 as farmer John Barton, part of the new farming dynasty, who took over Butler’s Farm from the Sugdens. Thornton, 36, said it was the right time to move on.

Viewers have seen John being left heartbroken after discovering his beloved wife Moira’s (Natalie J Robb) affair with rival Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley).

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And he is set to be a key suspect in the forthcoming Judgment Day storyline in which Cain is left fighting for his life, following a brutal attack on December 8.

Thornton said: “I have had a fantastic time playing John for the past three years, but it’s the longest I have ever played one part and the time now feels right to move on.

“I have decided to leave on a high with a big exit storyline in 2012, which I’m really excited about.”