Emmerdale legend John Middleton is making his debut in Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks this week as villain Froggy Black, the grandfather of Clare Devine and Grace Black
John Middleton is set to make a dramatic entrance as Froggy Black in Hollyoaks this week.
The acclaimed actor, who famously portrayed vicar Ashley Thomas in Emmerdale for an impressive 21 years from 1996 to 2017, is about to unveil his more sinister side as he steps into the Channel 4 soap as the convict Froggy, the grandfather to notorious characters Clare Devine (Gemma Bissix) and Grace Black (Tamara Wall).
Currently a resident of Longmere prison, Froggy has struck up an alliance with the newly imprisoned ‘Tax Man’ Tom Cunningham (Ellis Hollins), who has become his clandestine financial adviser.
Recent episodes have shown Tom plotting against his old nemesis Clare, apparently collaborating with Froggy in his schemes.
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Despite being untouchable within the prison walls, Froggy, known as the kingpin, is gearing up for release, eager to leave his life of crime and cherish moments with his family, especially his treasured granddaughter Gracie, reports the Daily Star.
Froggy’s storyline kicks off when he learns shocking news about Gracie’s location from Tom, prompting him to take action. Yet, it remains to be seen if his grandchildren will accept him with open arms.
Discussing his new role, John remarked, “From vicar to villain is quite a leap but that’s why I love this part.”
He added, “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.”
While most known for his portrayal of Ashley the vicar in Emmerdale, John also had a stint on Coronation Street as John Hargreaves, three years prior to his breakthrough role on the competing ITV soap.
In 1993, John’s character was responsible for the death of Lisa Duckworth, the pregnant ex-girlfriend of Terry Duclworth (Nigel Pivaro). He made another appearance on Corrie two years later, this time as a hospital consultant during the tragic storyline involving Deirdre Barlow’s (Anne Kirkbride) late husband Samir Rachid (Al Nedjari), who was brutally attacked and killed by a gang.
John first graced Emmerdale as PC John Jarvis during the Post Office raid storyline in 1994, before securing the much-loved role of the compassionate Rev. Ashley Thomas in December 1996.
He then showcased his talents in Strangers on a Train, playing American detective Arthur Gerard. In 2021, John took on the role of Frank in the one-man show Hull and High Water, and throughout 2022 and 2023, he portrayed Colonel Pickering in the UK Tour of My Fair Lady.
John’s extensive acting credits also include Doctors, The Things You Do for Love, Against all Odds, The Round Tower, The Grand, Hetty Wainthropp Investigates, The Ruth Rendell Mysteries, The World of Lee Evans, The Gambling Man, Cracker, Heartbeat, Medics, In Suspicious Circumstances, Prime Suspect 3, Bad Company and Shadow of the Noose.
Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1 at 7.30pm and available to stream from 7am on ITVX and Hollyoaks airs Monday to Wednesday on E4 at 7pm and first look episodes can be streamed Channel 4 from 7am
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