James Hooton has played Sam Dingle on Emmerdale since 1995, but his real life is far removed from his on-screen character. He has a different accent, a partner he met on the soap's set, and two children.
Real accent and early fame
James first appeared as Sam, the son of Zak Dingle (Steve Halliwell), in 1995. He became a fan favourite and has been involved in major storylines, including helping his terminally ill wife Alice Dingle (Ursula Holden-Gill) pass away.
In July 2024, James appeared on ITV's Loose Women, where his natural speaking voice surprised viewers. Fans are used to hearing Sam speak with a thick Yorkshire dialect, but James actually hails from Carlton, Nottinghamshire.
Emmerdale's Instagram page has shared behind-the-scenes clips featuring James. One admirer noted: "Love Sam, and it's so weird to hear him speak when out of character." Another observed: "James' accent never fails to surprise me", while a third added: "An absolutely brilliant actor."
Partner and children
Away from Emmerdale, James is in a relationship with Nancy Lucas, and they have two children, Ava-Rose and Lily. The couple are said to have met on the Emmerdale set in 2004. Nancy runs her own dance company called Total Dance, where she also teaches Zumba classes.
James proposed to Nancy on Valentine's Day in 2010. The pair have spoken openly about their difficulties conceiving, revealing they had spent two years trying for another baby. "We've been trying to get pregnant for around two years but it just wasn't happening," James told OK magazine, before Nancy disclosed that they began exploring fertility treatment. Three months in, she fell pregnant "without any intervention".
Earlier this year, James shared a family update, revealing his eldest daughter Lily was preparing to go travelling. "Last family breakfast before Lily heads off on her travels! 78 nights away and countless countries to be visited! Can't wait to chart her journey and hear her stories," James said. He added: "Mixed emotions but SO proud that she's arranged and funded it all herself! Conceive, believe, achieve."
Muscle makeover
Over the years, James has developed an impressively muscular frame and regularly shares updates of his fitness exploits on Instagram. A passionate rock climber, he frequently visits climbing locations such as Pateley Bridge and Shipley Glen in Yorkshire.
The gruelling sport has seen James bulk up considerably, and his followers have taken note. One social media comment reads: "OMG never thought Sammy was such a DILF", while another states: "You must have muscles of steel."
Emmerdale airs Monday to Friday at 8:00pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
