Oliver Farnworth: Relationship, Emmerdale Role & Career

If you’ve been watching Emmerdale lately, you might have noticed a new face stirring up the village — and turning heads off-screen too. Oliver Farnworth has quietly become one of the most talked-about soap actors in 2025, not just for his brooding debut, but because his real-life relationship with EastEnders icon Samantha Womack is drawing almost as much attention as his on-screen drama. Here’s what we know about his career, his relationship, and whether he’s staying or leaving the Dales.

Born: 5 August 1982 ·
Known for: Emmerdale, Coronation Street, Mr Selfridge ·
Partner: Samantha Womack (EastEnders actress) ·
Years active: 2008–present

Below are the confirmed details about Oliver Farnworth’s background, drawn from available entertainment reports.

Is Oliver Farnworth in a relationship?

Yes, Oliver Farnworth is in a relationship with Samantha Womack, the actress best known for playing Ronnie Mitchell on EastEnders. Reports from 2025 confirm the pair are an item, having met through soap-industry circles (TVGuide.co.uk). The relationship has been described as a real-life soap crossover, since both stars are central to two of Britain’s biggest serial dramas.

Who is Oliver Farnworth’s partner?

Samantha Womack, 52, is an established actress and singer. She played Ronnie Mitchell on EastEnders from 2007 to 2017 and has also appeared in theatre and television. According to a 2025 report, Womack has received street comments from fans about her new partner, with some offering “warnings” about dating a fellow soap actor (The Sun).

How long have Oliver Farnworth and Samantha Womack been together?

Coverage suggests the couple began dating around 2023, though the exact start date remains unconfirmed. A 2025 report from ITV Lorraine featured Farnworth speaking publicly about Womack’s cancer diagnosis, calling her “strong” and “determined” (ITV Lorraine via Facebook). The couple reportedly live together in Spain, and Womack’s two children, Lily and Benjamin, have visited their home (YouTube).

The implication is clear: the relationship is not just a private matter but a public narrative that influences how each actor is perceived in their respective shows. Farnworth’s Emmerdale debut gains extra buzz because his partner is a household name from the competition.

Is Oliver Farnworth leaving Emmerdale?

As of mid-2025, there is no official confirmation that Oliver Farnworth is leaving Emmerdale. Speculation has appeared on fan forums and social media, particularly after some cast changes were announced (The Sun). However, the show itself has not published any departure notice.

What has Oliver Farnworth said about leaving?

Farnworth has not publicly addressed any exit plans. His focus appears to be on settling into his role. In the same ITV Lorraine clip, he spoke about his Emmerdale character and his life with Womack, but gave no hint of a short stint (ITV Lorraine via Facebook).

Who else is leaving Emmerdale in 2026?

Emmerdale has announced some cast departures for 2026, but Farnworth’s name is not among them. Rumours on Reddit have linked him to a possible exit, but these remain unsubstantiated (YouTube).

The catch: without an official word from ITV or Farnworth himself, the speculation is just that. For now, viewers should expect to see him on screen for the foreseeable future.

What is Oliver Farnworth known for?

Oliver Farnworth is best known for playing Andy Carver on Coronation Street from 2014 to 2017 (TVGuide.co.uk). He also had a role in Mr Selfridge and appeared in Hollyoaks. In 2025, he joined the cast of Emmerdale as a brooding newcomer, a move that generated significant media interest (YouTube).

What TV shows has Oliver Farnworth been in?

• Coronation Street (2014–2017) – Andy Carver
• Mr Selfridge (2013) – a supporting role
• Hollyoaks (appearance)
• Emmerdale (2025–present) – current role

What stage roles has Oliver Farnworth performed?

Farnworth has also performed in West End theatre, though specific productions are not widely documented. His stage work adds to his range as a performer (TVGuide.co.uk).

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Who was Samantha Womack’s first husband?

Samantha Womack was first married to actor Mark Womack, best known for playing on The Bill and other TV dramas. The couple wed in 2009 and separated in 2022 (YouTube). They have two children together, Lily and Benjamin.

Is Samantha Womack still married to Mark Womack?

No. The separation was finalised in 2022, and Womack is now in a relationship with Oliver Farnworth. Reports indicate that Farnworth has a positive relationship with Mark Womack, describing them as close friends who even cook together as a blended family (YouTube).

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Oliver Farnworth’s story in 2025 is one of dual roles: a soap actor making his mark on Emmerdale, and a partner supporting an EastEnders veteran through health challenges while blending a family across two countries. For viewers invested in either show, the connection adds an extra layer of interest. For Farnworth, the challenge will be balancing public attention with private life. The coming months will show whether his Emmerdale character sticks or if the pull of family in Spain reshapes his career priorities.