Emmerdale viewers were left stunned when they identified the actor playing Billy Fletcher's vile racist attacker in a recent episode of the ITV soap.
Ethan Anderson found himself in a difficult situation as he was set to defend Jordan after attacking Billy Fletcher on Emmerdale.
At the police station Billy met Jordan, who has been arrested on suspicion of assault and is played by actor Jack Parr.
Determined to make a good impression, Ethan took on the case - but was left startled when he recognised the victim on the CCTV image as Billy.
But as the storyline unfolded, fans took to Twitter to point out that they had seen the actor playing Jordan before in hit BBC show Peaky Blinders.
One wrote: “Hey it’s Peaky Blinders guy!!” as another chipped in saying: “Have they seriously just cast a Peaky Blinders actor (Jack Parr) in the role of Billy's racist attacker only for said attack to happen off screen - seriously!”
Jack Parr played the character Dougie Bill in two episodes of the latest final season of Peaky Blinders, the Birmingham-based gang drama starring Cillian Murphy.
The upsetting Emmerdale storyline saw Billy (Jay Kontzle) in hospital after sustaining horrendous injuries from the attack, leaving him broken as he told Dawn that it was racially motivated.
Back at the police station, Ethan said that although he knows Billy, there is no conflict of interest - but suggested to Jordan that he might prefer to seek alternative representation.
However, Jordan was adamant that he wanted Ethan as his legal counsel, leaving him in an awkward position.
Harriet later bumped into Ethan at the station and tried to encourage him from withdrawing from the case as it could negatively impact his personal relationships.
Will Ethan decide to stick with the case or follow his loyalties?
Emmerdale star Emile John, who plays Ethan, has opened up about the possible backlash for his character in the new storyline.
Depending on whether he performs well, this case could make or break his career.
“Ethan naturally feels a bit hesitant taking the case as of course it might be slightly uncomfortable back in the village as Ethan is essentially trying to free Jordan of the charges pursued by Billy," said John.
He continued: "But on the other hand, Billy and Ethan don't have any connection other than living in the same village, there is no conflict of interest, so, therefore, it is his duty to take on this case.
"Ethan doesn't know for sure that this was a racially motivated attack, and as a lawyer, he can only make use of facts and evidence. Of course, this allegation is going to strike a chord in Ethan as a Black man, but he has to remain professional and do away with any personal opinions or feelings he may have so that he may unbiasedly represent his client."
