Fans of the British Soap Awards 2022 were left stunned by Emmerdale star James Hooton’s real accent as he accepted an award.
The actor has played poacher Sam Dingle in the ITV soap since 1995, and is known for his character’s sweet natured but down-to-earth nature – and he certainly isn’t academic.
But in real life, James has a rather posh accent, and surprised fans with his eloquent speech as he stepped on stage to celebrate the Dingles scooping the gong for Best Family.
Also joining him on stage was Marlon actor Mark Charnock, Liv actress Isobel Steele and Vinny star Bradley Johnson, as well as Karen Blick (Lydia), Amelia Flanagan (April), James Moore (Ryan) and Jack Downham (Noah).
Turning to Twitter to share their shock at James’ real voice, one fan posted: “James puts on an accent when playing Sam? How have I never known this?”
(Image: ITV)
As another posted: “I always forget this is James Hooton’s real voice and he doesn’t speak like Sam Dingle!”
Someone else giggled: “Sam Dingle – who knew??! Don’t he scrub up well?!”
In his speech, James said: “One minute you’re breaking into a solicitor’s office, getting chased round by two of the campest security guards you’ve ever seen in your life, shouting ‘You are in so much trouble!’….
“And then the next minute you’re doing up a shabby old caravan. You could be fighting, fornicating, fishing, but all the time we know that everybody’s watching and they want us to get on well and look after each other.”
He added: “And that’s what we do, at the end of the day. That’s what the Dingles do. So thank you to the viewers who voted for the award, we appreciate that so much. We haven’t got a show without the viewers, let’s face it.”
James then went on to praise Lisa Riley, who plays Mandy Dingle, and who couldn’t make the ceremony due to “family issues”.
(Image: TWITTER)
In his real life, James has surprised viewers with his incredible body – as he actually sports a six pack in real life, which is usually hidden by Sam’s baggy macs and jumpers.
Posting a shirtless snap to his social media, James flexed his impressive biceps and showed off his toned abs in a pair of Calvin Klein boxers, which sent his co-stars wild.
Jamie Shelton wrote: “Shredded mate. Looking good!”, as Adam Thomas commented: “Beast!!”
Emmerdale airs weeknights from 7:30pm on ITV.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
