EMMERDALE has signed up a former Coronation Street star as their new village hunk.

Bosses on the long-running soap have cast Oliver Farnworth to play their brand new on screen eye candy.

Oliver, 41, is best known by soap fans for playing doomed Andy Carver.

The waiter was brutally murdered by Pat Phelan during his reign of terror on the cobbles in 2017.

But now seven years on Oliver will return to screens as John Sugden in Emmerdale.

His arrival will send shock waves through Yorkshire Dales – especially for Victoria Sugden – who is the only remaining family member in the village.

John’s connection to the character, played by Isabel Hodgins, is being kept under wraps, including the consequences of his appearance.

Fans will get to see Oliver make his on screen debut next month.

Speaking about joining Emmerdale, Oliver said: “I am absolutely delighted to be joining the cast of Emmerdale.

“The show has such a rich history, and the Sugden family is integral to that. I’m looking forward to bringing my character to life and working with such a talented and dedicated team.”

Producer Laura Shaw added: “We are thrilled to have an actor with Oliver’s talent and presence join the Emmerdale family.

“The Sugden’s have always been central to Emmerdale, and introducing a new member opens up exciting possibilities for future storylines.

“Mysterious John’s arrival will no doubt create a stir in the village for Victoria and the wider community.”

The news following the recent exit of Emile John (Ethan Anderson) and the upcoming double exits of Brahmdeo Shannon Ramana (Suni Sharma) and Lewis Cope (Nicky Miligan) plunging the soap into a crisis.

“There are no hunks left in the Dales, it’s unthinkable,” said a source