James Thornton

James Thornton (born 31 October 1975) is an English actor. He portrayed John Barton in the British soap opera Emmerdale from 2009 to 2012; he previously appeared in the show in 1995.

Personal life Thornton married Welsh actress Joanna Page in December 2003. They have four children.

Four years before their marriage, they both appeared in the BBC adaptation of the Charles Dickens novel David Copperfield; he as Ham Peggotty, she as Dora Spenlow.

On 13 February 2010 Thornton was hit by a motorist in London and received medical treatment for leg injuries. Emmerdale producers rewrote scenes involving Thornton's character. 1999: The Lakes 1999: David Copperfield 2000: Playing the Field 2001, 2003–2004: Red Cap 2003: Between the Sheets 2005: No Angels 2006: Dalziel and Pascoe "A Death in the Family" as Hugh Shadwell 2007: Holby City - Series 9 2008: HolbyBlue 2009–2012: Emmerdale 2014: Stella

Other credits Thornton has narrated several documentaries including Take Me to the Edge (2008) and The Curse of Oak Island for UK audiences. He has also made appearances on Loose Women (2009–2012) and Let's Dance for Comic Relief (2011). He has narrated and appeared in the documentary, Benefits By the Sea : Jaywick (2015–2016) and also narrated the documentary series "The Motorway" shown on Channel 5 in the UK. He has been the voice of Talk TV.

Awards and nominations Year Award Category Result 2010 British Soap Awards Sexiest Male 2010 TV Choice Awards Best Soap Newcomer 2011 British Soap Awards Sexiest Male 2012 British Soap Awards Best Exit