Hollyoaks’ Froggy actor John Middleton teases ‘catastrophic’ soap twist – Froggy Black’s Heartbreaking Ending
John Middleton discussed his fresh Hollyoaks role on Tuesday’s Good Morning Britain.
The 71 year old performer, who is most famous for portraying Emmerdale’s compassionate vicar Ashley Thomas for 21 years, has now joined the competing Channel 4 soap as “villainous character” Froggy Black.
John is taking on the role of prisoner Froggy, the grandfather to infamous characters Clare Devine (Gemma Bissix) and Grace Black (Tamara Wall).
Presently an inmate at Longmere prison, Froggy has formed an alliance with the recently incarcerated ‘Tax Man’ Tom Cunningham (Ellis Hollins), who has become his secret financial consultant.
Recent episodes have revealed Tom scheming against his former rival Clare, seemingly working alongside Froggy, reports the Mirror.
Hollyoaks actor John Middleton appeared on Tuesday’s Good Morning Britain
Froggy’s narrative begins when he discovers startling information about Gracie’s whereabouts from Tom, spurring him into action. However, it remains uncertain whether his grandchildren will welcome him back….
Speaking about the storyline and fresh role on Tuesday’s Good Morning Britain, presenter Ed Balls enquired about his character: “Are you going to be reformed?”.
To which John hinted about Froggy: “I might appear reformed but he knows a lot of secrets about other people and in fact one in particular if he revealed what he knows about that person’s past… it would be catastrophic..”
He continued: “We’ll have to see how the story develops…” Meanwhile co-presenter Kate Garraway enquired: “Prison reform are you [Froggy] going to turn it on its head?” to which John confessed: “I somehow doubt it with the way things are going…”
Soap enthusiasts will remember that John portrayed Emmerdale clergyman Ashley from 1996 to 2017.
John Middleton as new character Froggy
Ashley’s gradual decline following his dementia diagnosis witnessed him losing his memory, becoming unable to recognise his spouse Laurel and their youngsters in deeply moving scenes.
The character sadly died in 2017, leaving audiences devastated by the heart-wrenching and touching storylines.
In 2017, John secured Best Male Dramatic Performance at The British Soap Awards for his devastating depiction of Ashley during the character’s dementia journey.
After departing Emmerdale, John demonstrated his abilities in Strangers on a Train, taking on the role of American detective Arthur Gerard.
In 2021, John assumed the part of Frank in the solo production Hull and High Water, and during 2022 and 2023, he played Colonel Pickering in the UK Tour of My Fair Lady.
