New spoiler snaps show former Coronation Street star Oliver Farnworth making his Emmerdale debut.
The actor, best known for his role as Andy Carver in the ITV soap, will swap Weatherfield for the Dales as he arrives in the village to play John Sugden, heralding a new generation of the family who were introduced during the show’s first episodes in 1972.
John will shake things up for Victoria Sugden (Isabel Hodgins), one of the only remaining family members in the show alongside Andy’s daughter Sarah.
While fans recognise Oliver from Corrie, fans might also be surprised to know that he’s in a relationship with a former EastEnders icon.
Ex-EastEnders actress Samantha Womack, best known for playing Ronnie Mitchell, has been dating the actor for roughly three years after both starring in the 2019 stage adaptation of The Girl On The Train.
Sources claimed at the time that their relationship turned romantic , almost a year after Samantha announced the end of her marriage to Mark Womack.
An insider told The Sun: ‘Samantha’s chemistry with Oliver was clear to see on stage and they remained close after the production.
‘They couldn’t be happier and have loved dating away from the public eye. They’ve met each other’s families and it all feels very natural. They’re totally smitten with each other.’
The source claims Samantha’s ex-husband Mark is also ‘happy for her too’ and that it’s all ‘very grown-up and modern’ between the former spouses.
Samantha, 51, fuelled rumours of her romance with Oliver, 41, at the time when she shared cute photos of her and the actor together, with the caption: ‘It is!!!!! How could you tell ? Here’s some funny ones of his gorgeous face,’ in response to a fan’s comment.
In August 2020, the actress announced she had split from husband Mark although their relationship actually came to an end in 2018.
The couple had been married for 11 years and share two children; Benjamin, 22, and 18-year-old Lili Rose, and decided to continue co-habiting despite their separation for the sake of their family.
