Fans of Emmerdale have reacted to the news that Ellis Chapman has been recast, and expressed their surprise that the actor appears to look 10 years older!
This morning, the ITV soap revealed the character will return with a new face before the year is out – and announced that actor Aaron Anthony will now be playing the personal trainer.
Read more: Emmerdale fans fear Graham Foster will be murdered as Kim Tate threatens him
Aaron will be taking over the role from Asan N’jie, who was sacked in September after a violent altercation at the TV Choice Awards.
Ellis joined the soap last year, but fans thought he had been written out last month when he joined his mum Jessie in Dubai to work as a PE assistant in the school Jessie is working in.
This December, as tensions between Ellis’ dad Al and Ellis’ half-brother Billy threaten to boil over, Ellis returns to the village unannounced.
Read more: Who is leaving Emmerdale and when is their exit?
Speaking on his new role, Aaron said: “Emmerdale is a cracking show with a brilliant cast that I’m over the moon to now be a part of.
“I know Ellis is a well-loved character and I’m looking forward to continuing his journey and all that’s in store for him.”
He looks about 10 years older than Ellis last time we saw him? Did he go in a time machine in Dubai?
However, after the recasting announcement, some fans expressed their belief that Ellis appears to have aged considerably while he’s been in Dubai!
Writing on Twitter, one said: “Why have Emmerdale recast Ellis with an actor who looks 10 years older, two stone heavier, and slightly Asian? He looks old enough to be Ellis’ dad!
“I can’t take this seriously. Come on Emmerdale, sort things out, you’re a sinking ship at the moment.”
Another said: “The new Ellis looks older than the previous Ellis. But then again everyone deserves a job! #Emmerdale.”
A third added: “The new actor for Ellis looks like he is a lot older – he could be playing Ellis’ dad. And why is he so important he had to be replaced??? #Emmerdale.”
https://twitter.com/brokenspell77/status/1192615393132785669
https://twitter.com/LittleMissXtra/status/1192597049335853056
The new Ellis looks older than the previous Ellis. But then again everyone deserves a job! #Emmerdale
— T (@Tammy_x_99) November 8, 2019
Why have @emmerdale recast Ellis with a actor who looks 10 years older , 2 stone heavier , and slightly Asian , he looks old enough to be Ellis's dad ! , I can't take this seriously come on Emmerdale sort things out your a sinking ship ATM pic.twitter.com/ZiY0cmX2UE
— Andy G (@itsmeandyg) November 8, 2019
“He looks about 10 years older than Ellis last time we saw him? Did he go in a time machine in Dubai? If you’re going to recast someone, at least have them look a similar age to the original actor,” said another.
One more said: “Is this real? He looks about 30 and I can’t see him and Belle together.”
In fact, the old Ellis was 25 years old, while Aaron’s Spotlight profile says he can play a range of ages between 26 to 35.
Aaron has previously starred in Delicious, Doctors, The Other One and Behind Her Eyes.