James Moore, who plays Ryan Stocks in Emmerdale, has given fans a lot of thrilling and even terrifying tales to watch. He also leads a busy life off-set.
Ryan Stocks (James Moore) of Emmerdale, the long-lost son of Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins), was never going to have a tranquil existence in the dales. Since making his debut in 2018 as a part of Charity’s horrific plot involving sexual assault, the endearing character has been warmly welcomed by fans and has grown to be a fan favourite.
Born on New Year’s Eve 1990, Ryan was adopted by Irene Stocks (Eithne Browne), the midwife who delivered him, after Charity was taken prisoner and sexually assaulted by the ruthless policeman Mark Bails (Rocky Marshall). The Dingle clan was shocked when Ryan, an adult, set out to find his birth mother, who was only 14 years old at the time of his birth. As the co-owner of The Woolpack, with mom Charity, Ryan is now very much at the centre of the hamlet, and the role obviously means a great lot to his offscreen counterpart.
Fighting for representation
Born in Cheltenham, actor James, who has ataxic cerebral palsy (CP), a disorder that impairs balance and coordination, almost gave up acting because he thought his impairment would limit him. However, determined James was cast as Ryan, having impressed Emmerdale executives, only two weeks after signing with an agency.
James remembered in an interview with the Mirror from 2021: “I simply began contacting agents with this film that I’d done, like, ‘Hey. Why is that? I’m trying to find a representative. After that, Yafta—who was in the building across the street—got back to me and signed me. They called me in two weeks later and said, “Emmerdale wants to see you.” Two weeks.” After meeting James, the serial opera decided that Ryan should also have ataxic CP. James, who won a National Television Award for Most Popular Newcomer in 2019, claims that the drama had been trying to cast someone with a handicap to portray Charity’s son.
James went on, “I really appreciated that they were quite receptive to learning about me when I was brought in. I spoke with several individuals at ITV in Leeds, and the research team really dug deep, asking me a lot of questions about my handicap, my work, and other personal details like my upbringing.”
cherished life at home with fiancée, “best friend”
The actor and his fiancée Sophie seem to be quite happy together. They often post adorable updates about their lives on Instagram, including romantic getaways to Disneyland and date nights at Wagamama. In a photo featuring their cherished black cat, Tonto, Sophie flashed a glittering pink engagement ring, and the happy pair confirmed their engagement in May 2022.
James marked the occasion of his fourth year with his “favourite person” Sophie with a post on June 22. He wrote: “Today marks four years with my favourite person, my partner, my best friend, and now my fiancée too! I am so fortunate and appreciative of everything you do for me, including watching out for me and being there for me at all times! I can’t wait to marry you next year since I adore you so much.”
Personal tattoos
James is well-known for his many tattoos, which include an intricate piece that was inspired by the well-known Neil Gaiman novel Coraline and a snake tattoo that wraps around his ankle. Supporters have taken a special interest in the lifelike ink drawing of James’s cat that Cheltenham-based artist Beckie Benson created earlier this year.
James commented, “Thank you so much @beckiesbecks at @ladiesandgentlementattoo for the incredible portrait of my cat Tonto!” in a post that amazed his followers. I’m amazed at how much it resembles him and how lifelike it is! I had a great time catching up with you and spending a chaotic four hours together.”
ITV1 and ITVX broadcast Emmerdale weeknights at 7:30 p.m.; Thursdays see an hour-long episode.
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