Emmerdale’s James Hooton has played simple and unpretentious Sam Dingle in the soap since 1995.

But when he appeared on This Morning with co-star Gemma Oaten to discuss their characters’ domestic violence storyline, fans were shocked to learn after all these years, that James is a well-spoken, quite intellectual sounding actor.

James discussed Gemma’s character Rachel Breckle’s abuse of boyfriend Sam, describing it as “harrowing” but admitting as an actor it had been a “great opportunity”.

Viewers were shocked to see such a different man than the troubled Dingle with learning difficulties they are used to.

But others pointed out he is an actor after all.

Last night’s episode saw Rachel decide to leave Emmerdale as her destructive relationship with Sam was not doing either of them any good.

And Gemma got emotional bowing out of the soap after four years.