When Oliver Farnworth arrived on our screens as John Sugden in Emmerdale in 2024, fans were immediately adamant that he can’t be trusted. And over time it seems that theory is getting stronger.

John is a fans favourite to be the next serial killer in Emmerdale. And they believe he was the one who put Nate’s body in the lake. And while there still is no solid proof, there have been some dodgy signs.

But away from the soap, Oliver’s life couldn’t be as different than dodgy John’s. And while he might live in the UK when he’s filming for Emmerdale, there’s actually somewhere more hot he likes to spend his free time.
Oliver Farnworth is dating EastEnders star Sam Womack aka Ronnie Mitchell (Credit: Shutterstock)
 

Oliver Farnworth in Emmerdale his life in Spain with soap star girlfriend

Emmerdale star Oliver, 42, and EastEnders icon Samantha Womack, 52, who played Ronnie Mitchell on-and-off between 2007 and 2017, began dating after meeting during a theatre production.

Both Oliver and Samantha were in the 2019 tour of The Girl on the Train, which is where they initially met. And from there their relationship just continued to grow stronger and stronger.

At the beginning of 2023, six months after Samantha’s breast cancer diagnosis, she and Oliver decided to swap life in the UK for the sun in Valencia.

Taking to her social media in February 2023, Samantha posed alongside Oliver and shared the news of their move.

She wrote: “Valencia mountains here we come. Love you Oli, you are my hero and the best packer ever!”

Oliver explained that it was her diagnosis that made them want to move away and branch out of their comfort zones somewhere different. He said: “It sort of changes your outlook and makes you possibly appreciate what you’ve got a bit more and maybe live your life a bit more as well.”
John Sugden is at the centre of the drama in Emmerdale right now (Credit: ITV)

Oliver’s friendship with Samantha’s ex-husband

Another not-so-conventional thing about their relationship is that Oliver is quite close to Samantha’s ex-husband Mark. The former couple share two grown-up kids: Lily and Benjamin.

And Mark himself is a known Emmerdale face as he played the role of DI Mark Malone from 2020 – the police officer who Dawn murdered.

Speaking about his friendship with Mark, Oliver revealed that he actually called him when he got the role of John in Emmerdale.

The 42-year-old explained: “Mark is a good friend. I spoke to him when I got offered the part in Emmerdale. He told me it was a great job. He was full of praise for the place and people.”

It’s good to see that there’s no awkwardness!