Holy smoke!

Former Emmerdale star John Middleton goes from kindly vicar to vile villain in his new role as an ex-criminal in Hollyoaks

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He played much-loved vicar Ashley Thomas in Emmerdale for 20 years, but now John Middleton has taken on a much darker role as Fraser “Froggy” Black — grandfather to villainess Grace Black and her sister Clare Devine — in Hollyoaks. After years in Longmere Prison, Froggy is finally out - and heading straight back into the heart of his fractured family.

“He does want to bring the family together,” John, 71, says. “For what purpose, that’s yet to be revealed. But he wants to restore the relationship between Clare and Grace.”

Froggy made his first appearance in early August, seen behind bars with Tom Cunningham, whom he'd taken under his wing as a financial advisor. When his granddaughters were arrested for their part in Clare’s husband's trafficking ring, the reunion was icy. Still, Froggy was determined to win over Grace — despite his hatred for Clare.