Emmerdale spoilers follow.
Newcomer Darcy Grey has been cast as the evil Pierce Harris's son for a gripping Emmerdale storyline with Rhona Goskirk.
Rhona's abusive ex-husband Pierce is serving time behind bars for rape, and though she assumed she'd put their dark chapter in the past, the memories come flooding back with his son arriving in the village.
Marcus Dean comes with stories of his own upbringing under the violent Pierce, though Rhona must question whether she can let him into her life after all this time.
Rhona must also consider whether any kind of relationship with Pierce's son could destroy the new life she has built with Marlon Dingle in the years since her ex-husband's arrest.
Marcus shares many similarities with Pierce – he's suave and handsome with a penchant for brooding. The biggest question is whether the similarities between father and son end there?
"When my agent sent me the character of Marcus Dean, I was quietly smiling inside," Grey said of his casting. "We share so many similarities, both the good – and perhaps – some of the bad! I thought, 'I know who this kid is'. To then get the call to say that the role was mine was one of those pinch-yourself moments we actors simply dream of.
"For Marcus, the battle of being torn between wanting to forget his relationship with his Dad but also ultimately, wanting to simply be loved is a challenge many of us face, and one that I hope I can bring some truth to. He is such an open book, with such an uncertain future that I just can't wait for you all to see where his journey in the village takes him!"
His first appearance as Marcus Dean will be airing in Emmerdale on Thursday, February 3 as part of the usual weekly double bill.
"Marcus' arrival will certainly ruffle a few feathers and flutter a few hearts in the village," producer Kate Brooks has promised. "However, people will soon realise there's more to Marcus than merely being the son of Pierce. But will our villagers give him a chance, or will he be forever doomed to live in the shadow of his father's heinous crimes?
"We're delighted to welcome Darcy to the show and we're sure he'll certainly make quite the impression on villagers and viewers alike."
Marcus' father Pierce made a shocking exit nearly two years to the day before his son is set to debut, having been captured by police in February 2020 after a new reign of terror that included stalking, murder and kidnapping.
Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7pm on ITV, with an extra episode at 8pm on Thursdays.
Read more Emmerdale spoilers on our dedicated homepage
If you've been affected by the issues raised in this story, you can access more information from Rape Crisis England and Wales, who work towards the elimination of all forms of sexual violence and sexual misconduct, on their website or by calling the National Rape Crisis Helpline on 0808 802 9999. Rape Crisis Scotland’s helpline number is 08088 01 03 02.
Readers in the US are encouraged to contact RAINN, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline on 800-656-4673.
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