Cheltenham-based actor James Moore has fulfilled a lifelong dream after making his TV acting debut on ITV soap opera Emmerdale.

James, who plays Charity Dingle’s son Ryan Stocks, was introduced to TV audiences a fortnight ago when his first scene – an emotional reunion with his mother – was aired. It’s been a whirlwind few weeks for the actor, whose performances in the long-running ITV soap have been met with praise from viewers who have been impressed with his first role in television, so much so that his opening scene was voted ‘scene of the week’ by an Emmerdale fan website.

“The last few weeks have been amazing. I’m having so much fun working on set and it’s been a pleasure getting to know everyone,” James told The Local Answer.

Viewers were introduced to James’ character when Charity Dingle, played by Emma Atkins, had been on a mission to track down her presumed dead baby in a bid to get DNA evidence. However, she was later shocked to discover that the baby she had thought died was in fact alive.

After tracking down the lady that helped deliver her baby, Charity discovered that the midwife had in fact adopted the child and brought him up as her own. After the police contacted her son Ryan Stocks, Charity came face-to-face with the boy who she hasn’t seen in almost three decades.

James began his acting career while studying at Cheltenham’s Balcarras school and has also been a regular visitor to the Playhouse Theatre where he’s starred in several productions. The invitation to apply for the role on Emmerdale came quickly on the back of joining an agency who were impressed with his acting ability.

James Continued: “I’ve had a passion for acting since I was very young. I studied drama at GSCE then at A Level as well as attending an acting course at the National Youth Theatre. I’ve been acting for years at the Cheltenham Playhouse Theatre which has been extremely beneficial for my career.

“For the role in Emmerdale I applied to an agency and was invited to an audition just a couple of weeks later. When I got the call from the producers of Emmerdale, I couldn’t believe it, it was my first major TV audition so I was completely blown away. It’s been a busy few weeks but I couldn’t be happier, performing in one of the most well-known TV programmes is a huge thrill.

“Everyone involved in the show – from the actors to all the production staff – have been amazing. I’ve felt like part of the team from day one. The cast and crew are all lovely people and have made me so welcome. Emma, Eithne and Michelle – who I’ve been on set with since day one – are brilliant to work with and are all hilarious on set.”