We never thought we’d see the day when Emmerdale’s amiable vicar Ashley Thomas would send chills down our spines – but such is the talent of actor John Middleton.
Has Hollyoaks alter-ego Froggy Black is more than just a wrong ‘un. He’s a terrifying sociopath, returning from prison and showing his true, abusive nature.
But, according to John, we haven’t seen the worst of him yet. Which is worrying news for the residents of the village who dare to cross him!
It’s an extremely different role to what John is used to playing, and that’s what attracted to him, he told me for Metro while we celebrated Hollyoaks’ 30th anniversary.
‘That’s the main reason I wanted to do it. He’s so different to play, he’s a complete villain and that’s fun to play
‘He has very few redeeming features!! He’s very loyal to his family but that’s where it stops’
Asked if we have just scratched the surface of his evil, he replied instantly: ‘I think so. I don’t know exactly what’s planned but yes, he’s very, very dark’.
Of course, we will always recall John as Emmerdale’s Ashley – and his impeccable and critically acclaimed performance of a dementia story.
It broke hearts across the nation and was a slow burning plot that saw Ashley deteriorate.
The story was praised for its realistic and honest portrayal of the cruel disease and I was lucky to have many chats and befriend John during the time.
Which is why it’s a delight that he is thriving in a new role which shows a different side to his capabilities.
But how do the soaps compare on a work level?
‘It’s a similar beast to Emmerdale in many ways,’ he mused. ‘The great thing about it here is the production values are very high.
‘Not that they weren’t at Emmerdale, but we use a single camera, you get individually lit and it just looks better.
‘The pace is a lot slower as well. I mean the stories are very fast and furious, but the pace in which we tell them is a bit more muted.
‘I think Hollyoaks is, it’s big, it’s bold, it’s brash – once you’re into it, you can’t let it go!’
Discussing his new part at the time of his announced casting, the actor said: ‘From vicar to villain is quite a leap but that’s why I love this part.
‘Froggy has a very dark history and he could reveal everyone’s murky past. He knows where all the bodies are buried; perhaps quite literally.’
