He might have only joined Emmerdale last year, but James Moore is already an award-winning actor...
James Moore joined Emmerdale last year as Charity Dingle's long-lost son, Ryan Stocks.
Since then he has been part of some gripping storylines from finding his place in the Dingle dynasty to Charity's court case against Ryan's evil biological father, corrupt police officer Mark Bails.
Fans have taken Ryan - and James - under their wings and warmed to the new character instantly, with everyone hoping that Ryan's friendship with Dawn Taylor will soon become the romance the pair both deserve.
Here are 7 things you might not know about Emmerdale actor James Moore...
1. He's a Southerner at heart
James is from Cheltenham in Gloucestershire and describes himself as an actor, musician and a vegan. He did a degree in photography and studied at the National Youth Theatre after growing up with a love for all things film and theatre.
2. Emmerdale is his first TV role
With James already winning awards for his portrayal of Charity Dingle's long-lost son Ryan Stocks, it's hard to believe that Emmerdale was his first big break into acting.
The star told Disability Horizons: "It's hard for anyone, but when I was growing up, there weren't many disabled people being represented on film or television.
"But after I signed with an agent, the role came up almost straight away. I really put my all into it.
"The part of Ryan was always intended to be for a disabled actor, but not specifically one with cerebral palsy. It was incredible that they wrote that in later."
MORE: 7 things you didn't know about Emma Atkins, aka Charity Dingle!
3. His acceptance speech at the NTAs left everyone in tears
James make a brilliant entrance to the stage when he accepted his NTA for Best Newcomer earlier this year, arriving on his friend's shoulders!
He gave an amazing speech about how much getting an award for doing something he's always dreamed of meant to him. He told the audience: "Thank you so much, this means the world to me.
"A year ago I never thought I'd be here, and for Emmerdale to take on someone with a disability shows the progression that we need in this day and age."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=180IhLMWrRI
4. James Moore always wanted to be an actor
While Ryan always dreamed of being an actor one day, he was worried it would never be something he could make a career from.
But thankfully for Emmerdale fans, he's proved himself wrong! The actor told Disability Horizons: "I got into acting because, even from a young age, I've always been interested in film and the theatre.
"It wasn't easy though and I didn't know if I would be able to earn a living from it. This is why I love being part of Emmerdale. Its showing disability in a new light and letting viewers know that disabled people can be intelligent and have full, healthy lives."
5. He's made his own film
Before joining Emmerdale, James directed and starred in a film called Spaghetti Legs. In the short spoof film he's being followed by a film crew as they make a documentary about what it is like living with cerebral palsy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_m2K72xCbYU
6. He wasn't a soap fan before joining Emmerdale
Despite now being on one of the biggest soaps on British television, James has confessed that he's only really started watching Emmerdale since landing the role of Ryan.
He told mirror.co.uk: "I wasn't a fan! I got the audition and then was like 'Right, I'd better start watching Emmerdale!' To be honest, I was instantly blown away.
"I have never really watched soaps before - I always had a stereotypical view of soaps that they were all the same kind of drama. But then I watched Emmerdale and I was instantly blown away by how good everyone was!"
7. He's a proud spokesperson for disability rights
James is understandably very passionate about raising awareness for people with disabilities, and cleverly uses his social media as a way of making his followers understand the day-to-day struggles that some people have.
Whether it is encouraging other people with disabilities to strive to achieve their dreams, or raising awareness and understanding for the amenities disabled people need access to on public transport, James makes sure he's got all bases covered.
Picture credits: ITV
