Inside ITV Emmerdale’s Ryan star James Moore’s life from brave cerebral palsy battle to fiancé

Emmerdale star James Moore, who plays Ryan Stocks, has been a part of major storylines since joining the ITV soap in 2018.

James, 31, secured his role just two weeks after signing with an agent, despite initially thinking his Ataxic Cerebral Palsy might make acting difficult. After his audition, ITV producers used his own experiences to develop his character.

He previously told The Mirror: "When I was brought in they were very open to learning about me, which I really liked.

"I had a lot of conversations with people at ITV in Leeds and the researcher team, who asked me lots of questions about my disability, what I do like my background and my early life they really did a deep dive." James also added that the character had been written "fantastically" and that although there were some differences between him and Ryan, the two are quite similar to one another.

Let's take a closer look at the soap star's life off screen…

Cerebral palsy battle

As James discovered when looking to pursue acting as a career, the opportunities for those looking to establish themselves in the industry is a tough take. So since finding fame on the small screen, James has used his platform to promote the need for change to allow those with disabilities to follow their dreams in the acting world.

He previously told The Mirror: "This is why I love being a part of Emmerdale it's showing disability in a new light and letting viewers know that disabled people can be independent and have full, healthy lives.

"Together, we're proving that disability isn't a defining factor."

Upon joining the Soap he was sent many messages on social media – ignored the ignorant trolls – and focused on his new role. One fan posted: "As a mum to a special needs child I think it's brill that @emmerdale have brought you into the cast."

Another added:" And another added: "It's an absolute treat for our boys and as parents to see a disabled actor in #Emmerdale.""

"Keep kicking down the barriers!" declared another pleased viewer.''

Fiancé

But one similarity James and his character Ryan don't share is their love life. The Cheltenham-born actor lives with his fiancé Sophie Edwards and their adorable cat Tonto, who he has tattooed onto his leg.

In June this year, he posted a tribute to Sophie on Instagram as they celebrated their four-year anniversary. Alongside a series of sweet snaps of the couple, he gushed: "4 years today with my favourite person, my partner, my best friend and now my fiancé too!!

"I’m so lucky and grateful for everything that you do, looking out for me and always being there for everything!! I love you so much and I can’t wait to marry you next year."

The couple announced their engagement on Instagram in May 2022 alongside some photos from the special moment. In the caption, James wrote: "we got engaged!!!! (ft our cat)."

Award success

His talents as part of the Emmerdale team haven't gone unnoticed as he scooped up Best Newcomer at the 2019 National Television Awards. The star beat fellow actors including EastEnders ' Ricky Champ, Hollyoaks ' Aeden Duckworth, Coronation Street's Alexandra Mardell and Casualty's Neet Mohan to claim the award.

Receiving the award, James told the audience in his acceptance speech: "'Thank you so much this means the world to us, a year ago I never thought I'd be here.

"And for Emmerdale to take on someone with a disability shows the progression we need in this day and age. This means the world to me."

Emmerdale continues to air weeknights on ITV at 7pm.

* This article was crafted with the help of an AI engine, which speeds up OK!'s editorial research and applies it to article templates created by journalists in our newsrooms. An OK! editor reviewed this content before it was published. You can report any errors to [email protected]

Source: Read Full Article