'Emmerdale' John Middleton: 'Long journey ahead for Ashley'

Published Jul 6 2012, 14:51 BST  |  By Daniel Kilkelly

Emmerdale star John Middleton has revealed that Ashley Thomas's current storyline has a long way to go.

Ashley has reached rock bottom in recent days, sleeping rough on the streets after being rejected by his family and most of the village.



The ex-vicar's downfall came when his abuse of his elderly father Sandy was revealed back in April.

Middleton, asked whether there is any happiness ahead for Ashley, told Soaplife: "It's a very long journey and although I've had hints as to where he'll end up, I don't know.

"But we're talking all the way to Christmas, with some new characters coming in, too."

In the meantime, Ashley finally gets a place to stay next week when his love rival Marlon offers him a room. However, he fails to realise that Marlon still has strong feelings for Laurel.

Middleton explained: "He doesn't suspect it because Marlon's taken him in. That would be a terrible thing for Marlon to do - provide a haven for Ashley while having an affair with his wife.

"As it happens, though, Marlon's talking about going to New Zealand, which would be a win-win situation for Ashley as Marlon would remove himself from the picture."

Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1.