The actor has landed the role of John Barton's older brother James and will begin filming in September. Bill will play a farmer and single father to three grown-up sons. Viewers will soon discover that he had a rift with his sibling which wasn't healed before John's untimely death last year.
Speaking of his new role, Bill said: "I'm really looking forward to it. The Emmerdale team are a very talented bunch indeed and I'm extremely chuffed to have been asked to join them."
Emmerdale fans will see Bill on screen as James in October.
See also: Whatever happened to.... Bill Ward?
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