Emmerdale legend John Middleton is making a triumphant return to the world of soap, playing a notorious new gangster by the name of Fraser ‘Froggy’ Black in Hollyoaks.

The actor, who is best known for his portrayal of Ashley Thomas in the ITV soap, will be a series regular on the Chester-based serial.

If that wasn’t enough of a reason to get excited, fans will also be pleased to know that he’ll be filming alongside Gemma Bissix and Tamara Wall, who play Clare Devine and Grace Black.

As you may have guessed by the surname, Fraser – or Froggy, as he will be known in the show – is Grace, Clare and Rex Gallagher’s (Jonny Labey) granddad.

Froggy is currently residing in Longmere prison and he has become friends with Tom ‘Tax Man’ Cunningham (Ellis Hollins), who is currently behind bars as part of an unexpected twist.

Tom is now operating as his off-the-books financial advisor and, as viewers know, he is conspiring to make down Clare, who recently returned from the dead.

Clare, as long-time fans will recall, tormented Tom when he was just a child.

Froggy, meanwhile, appears to be working with Tom in order to accomplish his mission.

The revered gangster will soon be released from prison, and he is intent on leaving the world of criminality behind and embarking on a new chapter, spending time with his family – particularly his precious granddaughter Gracie.

The character will make his debut in upcoming scenes when he receives information from Tom about his granddaughter’s whereabouts – and he’s forced to intervene.

The question is: will his grandchildren be welcoming?

Discussing his Hollyoaks part, actor John said: ‘From Vicar to Villain is quite a leap but that’s why I love this part.

‘ Froggy has a very dark history and he could reveal everyone’s murky past. He knows where all the bodies are buried; perhaps quite literally.’