‘Mixed emotions’: Emmerdale’s James Hooton shares rare family update
Emmerdale’s James Hooton has shared a rare family update about his daughter.
James, who is 52, has two daughters with his partner Nancy. The actor has played the role of Sam Dingle in the ITV soap since 1995.
This week, James took to his Instagram to share some news about eldest daughter Lily.
Alongside a sweet picture of his family, James revealed in the caption that Lily was off on her travels, and he is certainly one proud father.
He wrote: ‘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.
‘Mixed emotions but SO proud that she’s arranged and funded it all herself! Conceive, believe, achieve.’
In the coments section, James’ followers shared some sweet messages as Lily departed, with plenty saying that the experience is going to change her life completely.
This Instagram user said: ‘My daughter went travelling in her gap year and it was honestly the best thing! She experienced so much and as a parent, it was amazing seeing where she was and what she was doing. V proud. Lily will have the best time!’.
Another wrote: ‘Ohh shes going to have the BEST time. Literally will change her life! Ps. Can she take me with her?’.
Also in the comments, former Emmerdale star Kelvin Fletcher shared a love heart emoji.
Life for James’ soap alter ego Sam is never quiet. He is married to Lydia Dingle (Karen Blick), and is trying to help brother Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) start their brand new Dingle Farm.
In 2024, Sam and Lydia’s son Samson Dingle (Sam Hall) was arrested and sentenced, following an ordeal that saw totally innocent Matty Barton (Ash Palmisciano) spend time behind bars.
Elsewhere, James regularly shares updates on what he gets up to when he isn’t filming as Sam Dingle.
On his Facebook page, he often posts fitness based videos, which sometimes feature him going up against co-stars and pals including Jack Downham and Shebz Miah in Paddle matches.