Ryan Lamb (Emmerdale)

Ryan Lamb
Emmerdale character
James Sutton as Ryan in 2010
Portrayed by	James Sutton
Duration	2009–11
First appearance	15 June 2009
Classification	Present; regular (departing)
Introduced by	Gavin Blyth
In-universe information Occupation Mechanic Father Mark Wylde Mother Faye Lamb Half-brothers Nathan Wylde Will Wylde Half-sisters Maisie Wylde

Ryan Lamb is a fictional character in the British ITV soap opera Emmerdale. He is played by actor James Sutton and made his first appearance in June 2009. In February 2011, it was announced that James Sutton will be leaving Emmerdale in the spring along with screen mother Faye (Kim Thompson).

Creation and development

Casting

On March 23, 2009, it was announced that former Hollyoaks actor James Sutton would be joining the cast of Emmerdale as the son of already established character Faye Lamb. Speaking in an interview with Digital Spy, Sutton commented on Ryan: "He's a laddish lad and an out-of-work mechanic. He's grown up with his mum and is very protective of her. I wouldn't say he's a ladies' man, but he has an eye for the pretty ladies in the village. He's a nice guy, but when the storyline progresses and we discover things about Ryan's family, the audience might possibly see another side to him – maybe a darker side..."

Departure

In February 2011, it was announced that James Sutton will leaving Emmerdale towards the end of the year, coinciding with the departure of Kim Thompson, who plays his screen mother Faye. Commenting on his departure, Sutton said: "I feel that Ryan's storylines have drawn to a natural conclusion and, although I'll be sad to say goodbye, I'm excited about what the future holds." Also, Emmerdale's executive producer Steve November said: "James has been a much valued member of the cast and we wish him all the best for the future." Ryan will depart the soap in spring 2011.

Storylines

Ryan is the son of Faye Lamb and Mark Wylde (Daniel Lamb). Ryan never knew his father, believing that his father died before he was born. Mark, better known to Faye as Daniel, left her deep in debt, unaware she was pregnant. When they meet, he is unaware of their connection.

Faye and Ryan move to Emmerdale - Faye wants her husband back - and Ryan came with her. He got a job working for Debbie Dingle, while settling into village life and making friends with his brothers, Nathan and Will, and sister, Maisie.

In October, Ryan began dating Katie Sugden. One night, Faye invited Katie to dinner and grilled her about unsavoury gossip she'd heard. Furious, Katie explained and then left. Ryan followed, shocked by her history but pleased that she'd been so honest. Katie admitted not telling him, worried that he dump her but he insisted he wouldn't do that. Ryan told Faye off and insisted she apologise, which she did. Katie forgave her and asked her to come to her rather than listen to gossip. Mark also reassured Faye that Katie was a great girl.

Maisie Wylde was intrigued by Ryan until she discovered Faye and Mark's relationship. She forgave her father but condemned Faye, making nasty comments at every opportunity. Consequently she struggled to get on with Ryan but made an effort for Katie's sake, as Katie was her best friends. Eventually they bonded over shopping for Christmas presents but got a little too close. Refusing to cheat on Katie, Ryan ended things with her in January 2010 and started dating Maisie. The day they decided to sleep together, they heard their parents arguing downstairs and on investigating, discovered that they are half-siblings. Neither reacted well - Ryan was furious with Mark for abandoning Faye and that this had been kept from him. Ryan moved in with Katie and even started dating her again until Nathan Wylde told her about Ryan and Maisie's relationship.

Ryan moved back in with his mother, their relationship restored. Ryan has a good relationship with his younger half-brother, Will, and Maisie. However, his relationship with Nathan became difficult since the revelations about their family. After Mark's body was discovered by Sam Dingle the police arrested Nathan but he was released without charge. In revenge for Faye and Ryan destroying his family's life, Nathan framed Ryan for Mark's murder. Ryan was arrested and charged with Mark's murder. He was remanded in custody and seemed to accept that he will be found guilty until Faye told him that Maisie had found footage of him on her phone, wearing the chain after Mark died. Unfortunately she told her mother and Nathan and Nathan stole her phone, intending to delete the footage.

As Mark's eldest and legitimate son, Ryan is the rightful heir to Mark's fortune, including his money and property, Nathan is jealous of this and therefore his relationship with Ryan will always be strained.

In September 2010, Ryan is released for a day under prison guards to attend Mark's funeral. Listening to Will's speech, Ryan is seen with tears in his eyes at Will's references to his father and Ryan being his brother. At the graveside, he asks Maisie to talk, which doesn't go down well with Nathan. After a confrontation, Ryan is led away. Back at the prison, Maisie arrives and the pair discuss the stolen evidence and Ryan convinces his sister that Nathan is the only person capable of framing him for murder.

The following week, Maisie arrives to tell Ryan that she now has a photo that could prove his innoncence but it's not enough to get him released. Maisie then tell Ryan that she is leaving the village, and despite begging her to stay, she leaves.

Ryan was found guilty of murder and both Faye and Maisie were upset and angry as they both believe that Nathan killed Mark. After a confession from Natasha that she killed Mark and not Nathan, she was imprisoned and Ryan was free.

He tricked Nathan into confessing that he framed Ryan by recording him. He shows the recording to Maisie and she and Will left him. He tricked Nathan again by telling him to hand his money to a trust fund for Will. When he goes over to tell Maisie, Ryan pins him towards his car and tells him that if he came near Maisie again, he will go straight to the police.