Emmerdale Emmerdale's James: We might see Ryan's darker side

We talk to Emmerdale star James Sutton about his controversial new storyline.

So what’s it like playing a mechanic?
“Funny because I don’t know the difference between a fuel pump and an engine valve and I can't drive – despite having lessons over the past eight years. It’s because I am bone idle. I just haven’t got round to booking a test.”

What about the shocking storyline of your affair with Maisie, your half-sister?
“I’m really enjoying it. I’ve been online and read a bit about how brothers and sisters are often physically attracted to each other when they don’t know they’re related. There’s a kind of unspoken bond between them. When the truth comes out, it will screw him up for good. We might also see a darker side to Ryan.”

There have been a lot of rumours of a romance between you and co-star Sammy Winward?
“That’s one thing I don’t want to talk about. I think it’s really important to maintain a level of privacy when you are in a soap. I’ve always felt that. I need to keep certain things personal and private. Besides, if I said anything about a relationship, those quotes might be used again and again and who knows what I'll be doing in the future."

Are you a party guy?
"I don't think it looks very good to be pictured falling out of nightclubs drunk. Anyway, with the early starts I have on Emmerdale, I couldn't live like that. I don’t go out much at all. I prefer to stay at home. If I do go out, it’s usually for a quiet meal."

What are your interests off-screen?
"I love music and I would love to be in a band one day. At the moment, I don’t have the confidence to stand up and play in front of people. I am nervous enough having to act in front of people. Not that I’m complaining about my job – I’ve certainly got no plans to leave Emmerdale. I’m really enjoying it. There’s lots of drama coming Ryan’s way this year and I hope that continues!"

Click here to watch whatsontv.co.uk's new weekly soaps video preview, the Soap Scoop