Emmerdale Addict John Middleton

John Middleton records 'Emmerdale' episodes he misses.

The actor - who plays Reverend Ashley Thomas in the ITV soap - says he's been so gripped by the show's recent storylines that he can't bear not to keep up with the action.

He said: "I've seen all the episodes I've missed on DVD, and the fire at the church was dramatic stuff."

John's co-star Charlotte Bellamy - who plays Ashley's wife Laurel - is currently on maternity leave after having her third, Teddie Boo, but she hasn't let being a busy mother interfere with her 'Emmerdale' watching.

John said: "I've seen Charlotte and little Teddie Boo - they're both marvellous and she's coming back to work in January. Charlotte's watching 'Emmerdale' - we've all been gripped by this storyline."

Laurel has been forced out of the village by Sally Spode, who has been determined to win back ex-boyfriend Ashley and doesn't care who she hurst in the process.