Former Emmerdale star James Hooton has spoken exclusively about the terrifying moment he woke to discover his family's Yorkshire farmhouse engulfed in flames, in what he describes as the most frightening experience of his life.
The actor, best known for playing Sam Dingle in the long-running ITV soap, revealed how a devastating fire ripped through their 17th-century property while he, his wife, and their young daughter slept peacefully inside.
The Night That Changed Everything
"I was woken by what sounded like cracking timber," Hooton recounted, his voice still carrying the weight of the memory. "When I opened the bedroom door, I was met with a wall of thick, black smoke and the terrifying reality that we had to get out immediately."
The family made a frantic escape through the intense smoke, managing to reach safety just moments before the situation became critical. Fire crews from multiple stations battled the blaze for hours, but the historic property suffered extensive damage.
Starting From Scratch
"We lost everything," Hooton admitted emotionally. "Personal belongings, family heirlooms, photographs - things that simply can't be replaced. The emotional impact has been profound, and we're now facing the daunting task of rebuilding our lives from scratch."
The actor expressed immense gratitude that his family escaped unharmed, emphasizing that material possessions, while important, pale in comparison to human life. "When you're standing outside watching your home burn, you realize what truly matters," he reflected.
Community Support and Moving Forward
Since the fire, Hooton has been overwhelmed by the support from both the Emmerdale cast and crew and the local Yorkshire community. "The kindness we've received has been incredible," he shared. "It's shown us the true meaning of community spirit during our darkest hours."
As the family navigates the complex insurance claims and rebuilding process, Hooton remains philosophical about their future. "We're taking it day by day, grateful to be alive and together. This experience has changed our perspective on life forever."
