Real life of Emmerdale's Ryan Stocks - from unique tattoo to loved-up fiancée
Warning: this article contains distressing content
As the long-lost son of Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins), Emmerdale's Ryan Stocks (James Moore) was never going to have a quiet life in the dales. The likeable character has been well-received by viewers since his first appearance in 2018, as part of Charity's harrowing sexual abuse storyline, going on to become a fan favourite.
Born New Year's Eve 1990, following Charity's capture and rape at the hands of sadistic policeman Mark Bails (Rocky Marshall), Ryan was adopted by the midwife who delivered him, Irene Stocks (Eithne Browne). As an adult, Ryan went searching for his biological mum, who was just 14 years old at the time of his birth, causing shockwaves throughout the Dingle clan. As the co-owner of The Woolpack, alongside mum Charity, Ryan is now very much at the heart of the village, and the character clearly means a great deal to his offscreen counterpart.
James won the National Television Award for Most Popular Newcomer in 2019 (ITV)Fighting for representation
Cheltenham-born actor James lives with ataxic cerebral palsy (CP), a condition that affects balance and coordination, and initially nearly gave up acting altogether as he feared his disability would hold him back. Just two weeks after landing an agent, however, determined James was cast as Ryan, after impressing Emmerdale bosses.
Speaking with the Mirror back in 2021, James recalled: "I just started emailing agents with this film that I’d done saying, ‘Hey. What’s up? I’m looking for representation.’ And then Yafta, actually in the building just over the road, got back to me and they signed me. Two weeks later they called me in and said Emmerdale want to see you. Two weeks!" According to James, who scooped up a National Television Award for Most Popular Newcomer in 2019, the soap had been looking to cast somebody with a disability to play Charity's son but only decided that Ryan should also have ataxic CP after meeting with James.
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James continued: "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 helped shape the character of RyanLoved up home life with "best friend" fiancée
The actor appears to be very loved up indeed with fiancée Sophie, regularly sharing sweet updates about their life via Instagram, from date nights at Wagamama, to romantic trips to Disneyland. The delighted couple announced their engagement in May 2022, with Sophie showing off a sparkling pink ring in a post that featured their beloved black cat, Tonto
In a post shared on June 22, James celebrated four years with his "favourite person" Sophie, writing: "Four years today with my favourite person, my partner, my best friend and now my fiancée 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."
Personal tattoos
James is known for having a number of tattoos, including a snake tat coiled around his ankle, and a detailed work inspired by the iconic Neil Gaiman book, Coraline. Fans have particularly enjoyed the photorealistic ink James had done of his cat earlier this year, which was the work of Cheltenham-based artist Beckie Benson.
In a post that left followers wowed, James wrote: "Thank you so much @beckiesbecks at @ladiesandgentlementattoo for the incredible portrait of my cat Tonto! I can't believe how realistic it is and how much it looks like him! It was so good to catch up with you and sit for a crazy four-hour session!"
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX, with an hour-long episode on Thursdays
If you've been the victim of sexual assault, you can access help and resources via www.rapecrisis.org.uk or by calling the national telephone helpline on 0808 802 9999
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