Another shock departure from Emmerdale has been announced.
Bill Ward, who has played James Barton for the past three years, is going to leave before the end of the year in a dramatic storyline that will see the character killed off.
A show source told The Sun: “It’s the third name in quick succession that is going out the exit door. Losing Andy Sugden, one of the show’s most popular characters ever, was a massive blow.
“Sophie, having only just come back after a long break, was a shame too. And now James is going. Emmerdale fans shouldn’t get too attached to their favourites as you never know who’s going to go next.”
The insider added: “Everyone has been teasing Bill on set about leaving the Dales as it’s now the second time he’s been knocked off an ITV soap.
“He’s starting to wonder if it’s something personal.”
Bill has played farmer James on Emmerdale since 2013, and prior to that he portrayed Charlie Stubbs on ITV’s Coronation Street from 2003 until he was written out in 2007.