John Middleton, the beloved actor known for portraying Ashley Thomas, the vicar in Emmerdale for 21 years, is set to make a dramatic return to the world of soap operas with his new role in Hollyoaks. Middleton is stepping into the shoes of Froggy Black, a convicted villain and the grandfather to notorious characters Clare Devine and Grace Black, marking a bold departure from his long-running portrayal of the kind-hearted Ashley.

A Dark Turn with Froggy Black

Froggy Black is a hardened criminal who is currently residing in Longmere prison. Known as the kingpin within the prison walls, Froggy has formed an alliance with Tom Cunningham, the so-called ‘Tax Man’ of Hollyoaks. Their collaboration involves sinister plans, with Froggy eager to leave his life of crime behind and reconnect with his family, particularly his granddaughter, Gracie. However, it remains to be seen whether his reentry into the lives of his loved ones will be welcomed.

Discussing his new role, Middleton said, “From vicar to villain is quite a leap but that’s why I love this part.” He further teased Froggy’s dark past, saying, “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.”

A Career in Soap Operas

While Middleton is most famously known for his long tenure in Emmerdale, his television career dates back further, with a brief but memorable stint in Coronation Street. Middleton played John Hargreaves, a character who played a pivotal role in two storylines. In 1993, John’s character was responsible for the tragic death of Lisa Duckworth, the pregnant ex-girlfriend of Terry Duckworth. He returned to Corrie two years later, this time as a hospital consultant during the intense storyline involving Deirdre Barlow’s late husband, Samir Rachid.

Middleton’s first appearance in Emmerdale was in 1994, playing PC John Jarvis during the Post Office raid storyline. His big break came in 1996, when he was cast as Rev. Ashley Thomas, a character that would become an iconic part of the soap for over two decades.

Expanding His Acting Repertoire

Aside from his soap opera roles, John Middleton has also showcased his diverse acting talents in various other productions. Notably, he starred as the American detective Arthur Gerard in Strangers on a Train. More recently, in 2021, Middleton took on the role of Frank in the one-man show Hull and High Water. Additionally, between 2022 and 2023, he portrayed Colonel Pickering in the UK tour of My Fair Lady, further displaying his range as an actor.

Moving Forward

As Middleton embarks on this new chapter with Hollyoaks, fans are eagerly awaiting his portrayal of Froggy Black and the inevitable chaos his character will bring to the Black family and the show’s intricate dynamics. Meanwhile, Middleton’s legacy in Emmerdale as the beloved Ashley Thomas remains firmly etched in soap history.

In his return to the soap world, Middleton proves that he is still a force to be reckoned with, successfully transitioning from the compassionate vicar of Emmerdale to a scheming, dangerous villain in Hollyoaks. This bold new role marks just the latest in a career full of varied and powerful performances.