Emmerdale fans baffled as Ellis returns with new face - and looks 10 years older
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Emmerdale fans baffled as Ellis returns with new face – and ‘looks 10 years older’

Aaron Anthony made his on-screen debut

By Helen Fear

Ellis returned to Emmerdale village last night, and fans had a mixed reaction to the character.

On Thursday (December 12), Aaron Anthony took over the role from the previous actor Asan N’jie, who was sacked for threatening behaviour.

Emmerdale first look at Ellis Chapman's return
Ellis Chapman returned with a new face (Credit: ITV)

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The last time viewers saw the personal trainer was in October, but then the character made a sudden exit from the village in order to join his mum Jessie in Dubai for a job.

In reality, the character had to leave after actor Asan’s contract was terminated for being abusive to Hollyoaks actor Jamie Lomas at the TV Choice Awards.

They could have at least made the new Ellis look a bit like the old one.

In an unusual decision, the ITV soap replaced the actor with a new one, and he made his on-screen debut last night.

The old Ellis went to Dubai in October (Credit: ITV)

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Viewers saw Ellis’ dad Al accuse Billy of not pulling his weight, with the two men squaring up to one another.

Just in time, Ellis was able to intervene as he arrived back from Dubai.

His family seemed surprised to see him, but not as surprised as fans who expressed their shock that the character had changed – with some even saying he looked considerably older!

Ellis and Belle had been close before his departure (Credit: ITV)

One wrote: “Ooooooh I’m hating the new Ellis. He looks like 20 years older than Billy and he’s supposed to be like 20.”

Another said: “They could have at least made the new Ellis look a bit like the old one. He’s not been away that bloody long #Emmerdale.”

A third said: “Ellis! Ellis! You’ve had a face lift and you’ve lost weight! And your voice has changed. And your hair is completely different. And you’re taller. And you have a different accent… Apart from that…”

“Dubai has had its affect on Ellis. He’s put on weight, aged 10 years and shrunk a few inches,” added one more, while another said: “How LONG was Ellis in Dubai for? #Emmerdale #looks10yearsolder.”

https://twitter.com/mrcrh11/status/1205216559490371584

https://twitter.com/AshwinAbinashi/status/1205217361466449920

https://twitter.com/miss_lauren_uk/status/1205230967427883009

“Welcome to Emmerdale beefy Ellis who seems to have aged 10 years and put on weight since he went to Dubai,” joked another.

Speaking on his new role, Aaron said: “Emmerdale is a cracking show with a brilliant cast that I’m over the moon to now be a part of.

“I know Ellis is a well-loved character and I’m looking forward to continuing his journey and all that’s in store for him.”

In fact, the old Ellis was 25 years old, while Aaron’s Spotlight profile says he can play a range of ages between 26 to 35.

Aaron has previously starred in Delicious, Doctors, The Other One and Behind Her Eyes.

Are you happy with the new Ellis? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think of this story.

Helen Fear
TV Editor

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Emmerdale