New family for Emmerdale’s Home Farm

When Home Farm is put up for auction and an open day held for potential purchasers, feisty Nicola King, played by Nicola Wheeler, is rude to prospective buyer Chrissie White. She has no idea who she is and it’s typical of Nicola to make assumptions. Soon Nicola’s fibs and fabrications are blown apart by the arrival of Chrissie’s fiancé, ex-villager Robert Sugden who has joined his partner to look around the house.

Before long Chrissie’s wealthy father Lawrence White arrives to inspect the property, because he wants to buy in the area and Home Farm seems just the ticket. Lawrence will be played by acclaimed actor John Bowe (Silent Witness, DCI Banks, Prime Suspect, Coronation Street). Whilst his daughter Chrissie is being played by newcomer Louise Marwood.

Forthright in his views, Lawrence is not impressed with Chrissie’s choice of husband and on getting wind of Robert’s reluctance to return to the village, promptly puts in an offer. Could Lawrence be determined to rock his daughter’s relationship? In his first major TV role Ryan Hawley (History Boys, both in the West End and the UK theatre tour) will play Robert Sugden.

Chrissie’s troubled fourteen-year-old son Lachlan played by Thomas Atkinson is set to join his family shortly.

Kate Oates, Series Producer explains: “Home Farm has always been the seat of power in Emmerdale. In Lawrence, we have a family man, with serious status and a complex history. Robert’s going to have to prove himself worthy - not just of the big House on the Hill, but of Lawrence’s daughter, Chrissie. But will the ghosts of his past hold him back?”

Actor John Bowe reveals: “I am delighted to be joining the cast of Emmerdale and having already recorded scenes involving Edna’s long forgotten past, it is now fantastic to have been given the keys to Home Farm. I can’t wait to stir things up…”

HOME FARM - FACTS:

Home Farm is one of Emmerdale’s most notorious addresses. Over the years there have been nine owners. Families such as the Tates, the Kings and the Wyldes have all owned the largest house in the Yorkshire village. The most recent occupants, the Macey’s, created countless drama even trying to murder one another! Eleven characters have died on the premises and two bodies have been unearthed in the grounds, most notably Alex Moss who was buried by Cameron under Declan’s ‘glamping’ site.

Four couples have married at the house. The most recent wedding was Charity and Declan who tied the knot amidst the rubble and renovations earlier this year. There has been one ‘hand-fasting’ ceremony, which was a memorable occasion for Bob and Brenda. There have also been countless helicopter flight arrivals, events and special appearances.