Holly Barton

{{Short description|Fictional character from Emmerdale}} {{Use dmy dates|date=August 2023}} {{Use British English|date=June 2013}} {{Infobox soap character |series = Emmerdale |image = Holly Barton.jpg |name = Holly Barton |portrayer = [[Sophie Powles]] |introducer = [[Gavin Blyth]] (2009) [[Kate Oates]] (2016) Iain MacLeod (2024) |years = 2009–2012, 2016, 2024 |occupation = Waitress Farm hand Factory worker Designer Mechanic Photographer |first = 17 July 2009 |last = 20 November 2024 |father = [[John Barton (Emmerdale)|John Barton]] |mother = [[Moira Dingle]] |stepfather = [[Cain Dingle]]  |brothers = [[Matty Barton]] |halfbrothers = [[Isaac Dingle]] [[Adam Barton (Emmerdale)|Adam Barton]] |uncles = [[James Barton (Emmerdale)|James Barton]] |cousins = [[Pete Barton]] [[Ross Barton]] [[Finn Barton]] |relatives = [[Moses Dingle]] }} '''Holly Barton''' is a fictional character from the [[Television in the United Kingdom|British]] [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]] [[soap opera]] ''[[Emmerdale]]'', played by [[Sophie Powles]]. She made her first on-screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 17 July 2009. Holly was introduced to the soap as part of the Bartons, a new farming family who took over the running of Butler's Farm. Holly was joined by her mother, father and two siblings. The family were described as being "sexy, modern and contemporary" by the show's series producer, [[Gavin Blyth]]. Holly departed on 20 June 2012, but Powles later reprised her role and Holly returned on 24 March 2016 for a six-month stint. The character was killed off on 29 September 2016. Powles reprised her role on 20 November 2024 when she appeared in Moira's dream sequence whilst undergoing surgery.

==Creation and casting== In May 2009, it was announced that ''Emmerdale'''s new series producer, [[Gavin Blyth]], would introduce The Bartons, a new farming family, as part of an ongoing overhaul of the show.<ref name="NewFamily">{{cite news|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s12/emmerdale/news/a156759/emmerdale-casts-sexy-farming-family.html|title='Emmerdale' casts 'sexy' farming family|work=[[Digital Spy]]|publisher=[[Hachette Filipacchi UK]]|last=Green|first=Kris|date=22 May 2009|access-date=5 September 2011|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924181059/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s12/emmerdale/news/a156759/emmerdale-casts-sexy-farming-family.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The family, which comprises five members - mother, father, two daughters and a son - took over the running of Butler's Farm.<ref name="NewFamily"/> Of the family, Blyth said "I don't want to make Emmerdale a show about teenagers and young people, it's about family values. The Bartons are sexy, modern and contemporary. They're almost happy - and in soapland that's quite strange!"<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s12/emmerdale/interviews/a159417/gavin-blyth-series-producer-emmerdale.html|title=Gavin Blyth (Series Producer, 'Emmerdale')|date=12 June 2009|first=Kris|last=Green|work=[[Digital Spy]]|publisher=[[Hachette Filipacchi UK]]|access-date=5 September 2011}}</ref> [[Natalie J. Robb]] and [[James Thornton (actor)|James Thornton]] were cast in the roles of parents, [[John Barton (Emmerdale)|John]] and [[Moira Barton|Moira]]. [[Adam Thomas]] and [[Grace Cassidy]] were cast as their children [[Adam Barton (Emmerdale)|Adam]] and [[Hannah Barton|Hannah]].<ref name="NewFamily"/>

Former ''[[Britannia High]]'' actress Sophie Powles was cast in the role of eldest daughter Holly.<ref name="Actress">{{cite news|url=http://www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk/NEW-DARLING-DALES/story-11530396-detail/story.html|title=Actress lands Emmerdale role|date=9 July 2009|work=[[Grimsby Telegraph]]|publisher=[[Northcliffe Media]]|access-date=5 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120609121227/http://www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk/NEW-DARLING-DALES/story-11530396-detail/story.html|archive-date=9 June 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> Powles received a call from her agent telling her about an audition for ''Emmerdale'', which she thought was a great opportunity.<ref name="LB">{{cite web|url=http://www.lastbroadcast.co.uk/soaps/interviews/v/8807-sophie-powles-emmerdale-interview.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110216224636/http://www.lastbroadcast.co.uk/soaps/interviews/v/8807-sophie-powles-emmerdale-interview.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=16 February 2011|title=Sophie Powles (Emmerdale) Interview|publisher=Last Broadcast|access-date=5 September 2011}}</ref> Following the audition, Powles attended the subsequent recalls, before getting down to the final four. After a screen test with Robb and Thornton, Powles was given the role.<ref name="LB"/> [[Paula Lane]], who would later be cast on the soap as [[Ella Forster]], also auditioned for the role.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Paula Lane's Dales Job, 15 Years After First Try|last1=Crawford|first1=Sue|magazine=[[Irish Daily Mirror]] |date=27 March 2024 |pages=16–17|issue=13}}</ref> Shortly before filming her first scenes, Powles had to go shopping for Holly's costumes and had her hair dyed brown for the part.<ref name="LB"/> Of her casting, Powles said "I always wanted to act and especially because it's a northern show and my family live just down the road in Otley, so I've got a strong Yorkshire connection. I did my first scene in the Woolpack and I was just amazed at how real it was and I feel so lucky to be doing a job I enjoy on a show that I love. It's really cool."<ref name="LB"/>

==Development==

===Characterisation=== {{Blockquote|text="When she arrived in Emmerdale Holly seemed just like any other teenage girl, but her growing dependence on drugs changed her personality dramatically and led her to lie and steal from her family. The old Holly was considerate and caring, but the drug-dependent Holly is more of an unknown... That makes her unpredictable."<ref name="HollyITV">{{cite web|url=http://www.itv.com/emmerdale/characters/holly-barton/|title=Holly Barton|publisher=[[itv.com]]|access-date=5 September 2011|archive-date=27 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927180911/http://www.itv.com/emmerdale/characters/holly-barton/|url-status=live}}</ref>|sign=[[itv.com]] on Holly}} Holly is described as being a "free spirit with a sense of adventure."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.whatsontv.co.uk/soaps/emmerdale/whos-who/holly-barton/768|title=Holly Barton|work=[[What's on TV]]|publisher=[[IPC Media]]|access-date=5 September 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111015034058/http://whatsontv.co.uk/soaps/emmerdale/whos-who/holly-barton/768|archive-date=15 October 2011}}</ref> Powles opined Holly is "the kind of girl who will get on with anybody."<ref name="LB"/> She becomes friends with the people she meets and does not judge a book by its cover.<ref name="LB"/> Holly is loyal to her family and close to her mother, who she shares a strong bond with.<ref name="LB"/> Holly and her brother, Adam, have grown up together and there is only a year between them. Adam is quite protective of his sister. Holly loves Hannah to bits and they enjoy teasing each other.<ref name="LB"/> Holly does not spend her time reading fashion magazines and she wears whatever she is comfortable in.<ref name="Dynasty">{{cite news|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/DYNASTY+IN+THE+DALES%3B+Meet+the+Bartons+-+Emmerdale%27s+new+family+who...-a0203382224|title=Dynasty In The Dales; Meet the Bartons - Emmerdale's new family who look set to cause quite a stir|last=Griffin|first=Susan|date=11 July 2009|work=[[Liverpool Daily Post]]|publisher=[[Trinity Mirror]]|access-date=5 September 2011|archive-date=5 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305041656/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/DYNASTY+IN+THE+DALES%3B+Meet+the+Bartons+-+Emmerdale%27s+new+family+who...-a0203382224|url-status=live}}</ref> Powles told the ''[[Liverpool Daily Post]]'' Holly "loves who she is and she's really happy. She's not image conscious and doesn't waste time thinking 'I'm too fat' or 'I'm too thin'."<ref name="Dynasty"/> Upon her entrance to the show, Holly had not had a boyfriend before. Susan Griffin of the ''Liverpool Daily Post'' said she would not go short of an admirer or two, and Powles added "Holly wouldn't go for someone who was typically good-looking. She doesn't go for the obvious."<ref name="Dynasty"/> The actress thought Holly may have some unexpected friendships and relationships, which would work.<ref name="LB"/>

When Powles was asked if she was anything like Holly in real life, she told ''[[Inside Soap]]'', "I used to be quite similar to her when she got on well with her family and was bubbly - but now she's very moody and stroppy, I'm nothing like her!"<ref>{{cite journal|date=5–11 June 2010|title=I'm so scruffy - no one recognises me!|journal=[[Inside Soap]]|publisher=[[Hachette Filipacchi UK]]|issue=22|page=52}}</ref> Holly's descent into drugs changed her personality and Steve Hendry of the ''[[Daily Record (Scotland)|Daily Record]]'' noted Holly was once a girl from a good family with a cheeky twinkle in her eye and she had become a "desperate soul who is dragging her family down into the gutter along with her."<ref name="Hendry">{{cite news|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/showbiz/celebrity-interviews/2010/11/14/i-immersed-myself-in-research-about-effects-of-heroin-for-part-in-emmerdale-says-sophie-powles-86908-22717010/|title=I immersed myself in research about effects of heroin for part in Emmerdale, says Sophie Powles|last=Hendry|first=Steve|date=14 November 2010|work=[[Daily Record (Scotland)|Daily Record]]|publisher=[[Trinity Mirror]]|access-date=6 September 2011|archive-date=27 December 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101227212255/http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/showbiz/celebrity-interviews/2010/11/14/i-immersed-myself-in-research-about-effects-of-heroin-for-part-in-emmerdale-says-sophie-powles-86908-22717010/|url-status=live}}</ref> Hendry pointed out Holly had acted out of character and Powles agreed, saying "When I came into ''Emmerdale'' Holly was a very bubbly character, obviously a bit cheeky and a bit naughty but never would you think she'd do drugs. That's why they picked her, to show there is no stereotype of the kind of person who gets into drugs."<ref name="Hendry"/> Powles said Holly had turned into a "nasty creature" because of the drugs.<ref name="LastB">{{cite web|url=http://www.lastbroadcast.co.uk/soaps/interviews/v/14556-sophie-powles-emmerdales-holly-interview.html|title=Sophie Powles (Emmerdale's Holly) interview|publisher=Last Broadcast|access-date=6 September 2011|archive-date=23 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323132151/http://www.lastbroadcast.co.uk/soaps/interviews/v/14556-sophie-powles-emmerdales-holly-interview.html|url-status=usurped}}</ref> The actress believed Holly has always been fiery, but when she gets intimidated that turns into aggression, which worries her family.<ref name="LastB"/>

===Relationship with Aaron Livesy=== Holly's first love interest was [[Aaron Livesy]] ([[Danny Miller (actor)|Danny Miller]]).<ref name="HollyITV"/> Aaron took an interest in Holly shortly after she arrived and he often came to the farm to see her.<ref name="SStories">{{cite news|url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Soap+stories.-a0213567230|title=Soap stories|date=5 December 2009|work=[[Daily Record (Scotland)|Daily Record]]|publisher=[[Trinity Mirror]]|access-date=4 May 2012}}</ref> In August 2009, Aaron almost sets fire to a barn and he is locked up by John.<ref name="SStories"/> Aaron has John arrested and his mother tells the Bartons that she cannot get him to drop the charges, so Holly "decides to take more direct action" by seducing him into dropping the case.<ref name="SStories"/><ref name="SundayMail">{{cite news|url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/SOAP+WATCH.-a0206413816|title=Soap watch|date=23 August 2009|work=[[Sunday Mail (Scotland)|Sunday Mail]]|publisher=[[Trinity Mirror]]|access-date=4 May 2012}}</ref> However, Aaron realises what her plan is and he calls her bluff by telling her that he will drop the charges if she has sex with him.<ref name="SundayMail"/> A writer for the ''[[Sunday Mail (Scotland)|Sunday Mail]]'' said Aaron's offer leads "a disgusted Holly to storm out", leaving him feeling guilty.<ref name="SundayMail"/> A ''Daily Record'' reporter stated that Aaron appeared to have destroyed any chance he had with Holly, but she showed "incredibly bad taste in the opposite sex" by choosing to date him.<ref name="SStories"/> Aaron later tries to kiss Holly's brother, Adam, and he struggles with his sexuality.<ref name="Watch">{{cite news|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/SOAP+WATCH.-a0214288073|title=Soap watch|date=13 December 2009|work=[[Sunday Mail (Scotland)|Sunday Mail]]|publisher=[[Trinity Mirror]]|access-date=4 May 2012|archive-date=20 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150220011407/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/SOAP%20WATCH.-a0214288073|url-status=live}}</ref> When he asks Holly out, Adam warns his sister that she can do much better, but she does not listen and spends the evening with Aaron.<ref name="Watch"/> During an interview with a ''[[What's on TV]]'' writer, Miller explained that Aaron uses Holly to convince people that he is not gay.<ref name="Gay">{{cite web|url=http://www.whatsontv.co.uk/soaps/emmerdale/interviews/emmerdale-star-danny-aaron-cant-admit-hes-gay/7906|title=Emmerdale star Danny: Aaron can't admit he's gay|date=5 January 2010|work=[[What's on TV]]|publisher=[[IPC Media]]|access-date=4 May 2012}}</ref> When asked if Aaron fancies Holly or if he is just using her, Miller said "He does genuinely like Holly but he is sexually confused and constantly questioning himself 'Am I gay? Am I not gay? Do I want Holly? Or Adam?' It's a love triangle in the most confusing sense for Aaron. He wants to convince everyone, including himself, he isn't gay."<ref name="Gay"/> Adam later tells Holly that Aaron tried to kiss him, but she does not believe him.<ref name="Gay"/> Holly breaks up with Aaron when she tires of their relationship.<ref name="HollyITV"/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/SOAP+SUDS.-a0220473973|title=Soap suds|date=6 March 2010|work=[[South Wales Echo]]|publisher=[[Media Wales]]|access-date=4 May 2012|archive-date=5 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305042213/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/SOAP%20SUDS.-a0220473973|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Drug addiction=== {{Quote box |width=20% |align=right |bgcolor=#cccfff |quote="This is a serious, true story about cocaine and heroin. What I didn't want to do was to run a three-week storyline which sees an addition, discovery and cure in such a short space of time - that's not what happens in real life."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s12/emmerdale/interviews/a235574/gavin-blyth-series-producer-emmerdale.html|title=Gavin Blyth (Series Producer, 'Emmerdale')|work=[[Digital Spy]]|publisher=[[Hachette Filipacchi UK]]|last=Green|first=Kris|date=30 June 2010|access-date=5 September 2011|archive-date=15 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100815044533/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s12/emmerdale/interviews/a235574/gavin-blyth-series-producer-emmerdale.html|url-status=live}}</ref>|source=—Gavin Blyth on Holly's addiction storyline}} In 2010, Holly became ''Emmerdale's'' first teenage drug-addict.<ref name="Mum">{{cite news|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Strict+mum+kept+me+on+High+Road+to+stardom%3b+EMMERDALE+STAR+REVEALS...-a0227234371|title=Strict mum kept me on High Road to stardom|last=Fulton|first=Rick|date=25 May 2010|work=[[Daily Record (Scotland)|Daily Record]]|publisher=[[Trinity Mirror]]|access-date=5 September 2011}}</ref> Holly starts using drugs recreationally and she gives [[Maisie Wylde]] ([[Alice Coulthard]]) cocaine during a night out.<ref name="Roz">{{cite web|url=http://www.orange.co.uk/entertainment/television/2265.htm?linkfrom=%3C!--linkfromvariable--%3E&link=link_4&article=tvlinkspill|title=Drug dealing in the Dales|last=Richardson|first=Julie|date=7 April 2010|publisher=[[Orange (telecommunications)|Orange]]|access-date=5 September 2011}}</ref> Holly is fired from her job at Home Farm, when Maisie's mother, [[Natasha Wylde|Natasha]] ([[Amanda Donohoe]]), finds out.<ref name="Roz"/> In April 2010, [[Roz Fielding]] ([[Kirsty-Leigh Porter]]) was introduced to ''Emmerdale''. Roz became Holly's cocaine dealer and she often joined Holly in taking the drug.<ref name="Roz"/> Holly's drug use begins to affect her college work and she is later thrown out of college for dealing drugs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s12/emmerdale/spoilers/a220376/john-and-moira-learn-the-truth-about-holly.html|title=John and Moira learn the truth about Holly|last=Green|first=Kris|date=25 May 2010|work=[[Digital Spy]]|publisher=[[Hachette Filipacchi UK]]|access-date=5 September 2011|archive-date=25 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025052746/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s12/emmerdale/spoilers/a220376/john-and-moira-learn-the-truth-about-holly.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Holly decides to get clean, but she cannot resist stealing some [[ketamine]] and swapping it for cocaine.<ref name="Mum"/> Powles told ''Inside Soap'' Holly does not like it when she is in her parents' bad books, so she tries to stay clean. However, she cannot help herself.<ref name="Moon">{{cite journal|last=Moon|first=Katy|date=3–9 July 2010|title=Holly's Drugs Hell!|journal=[[Inside Soap]]|publisher=[[Hachette Filipacchi UK]]|issue=26|page=10}}</ref> While out clubbing with Aaron Livesy and [[Jackson Walsh]] ([[Marc Silcock]]), Holly bumps into Roz and they drink and take cocaine. Holly decides to flirt with a stranger for more drugs and she takes an ecstasy pill.<ref name="Moon"/> Holly succumbs to the effects of the drug and she has a nasty turn. Powles explained "She locks herself in a toilet cubicle because she doesn't know what's happening to her. Holly feels her whole world is going to explode. It's a bit like an out-of-body experience for her."<ref name="Moon"/> Powles added Holly is panicking and crying, so Aaron and Jackson kick the toilet door down and look after her. Aaron takes Holly home and she promises him it will never happen again.<ref name="Moon"/> Powles revealed Aaron is unaware of how dependent on drugs Holly has become and the actress promised Holly would face more trouble in the future.<ref name="Moon"/> [[File:Kirsty Leigh-Porter.jpg|thumb|150px|[[Kirsty-Leigh Porter]] was cast in the role of Holly's friend and drug dealer, [[Roz Fielding]].]]

Powles said she has researched her character's storyline, by consulting a drug support group and talking to recovering addicts and the people who work with them.<ref name="Researched">{{cite news|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s12/emmerdale/news/a235972/powles-i-researched-emmerdale-plot.html|title=Powles: 'I researched Emmerdale plot'|last=Kilkelly|first=Daniel|date=30 June 2010|work=[[Digital Spy]]|publisher=[[Hachette Filipacchi UK]]|access-date=7 September 2011|archive-date=24 November 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101124174808/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s12/emmerdale/news/a235972/powles-i-researched-emmerdale-plot.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The actress said she did not have any experiences with the situation and she asked about how she should act.<ref name="Researched"/> Holly is later disowned by her father and she runs away.<ref name="Morals">{{cite journal|last=Moon|first=Katy|date=4–10 September 2010|title=Holly has lost all her morals|journal=[[Inside Soap]]|publisher=[[Hachette Filipacchi UK]]|issue=35|page=33}}</ref> Holly meets [[Dan Cravely]] (James Boyland), a drug dealer, who allows Holly to stay with him. Powles explained Dan is everything Holly wants, he may not be a nice person, but he can supply her with drugs.<ref name="LastB"/> Powles said Holly is using drugs heavily and not being at home means she can take the drugs whenever she likes.<ref name="LastB"/> Holly runs into [[Scarlett Nicholls]] ([[Kelsey-Beth Crossley]]) and [[Eve Jenson]] ([[Suzanne Shaw]]) in town and she asks Scarlett for money, but Scarlett lies that she does not have any.<ref name="LastB"/> Scarlett later asks Holly to meet her, but it is a set up and John and Adam arrive instead. Powles said Holly is furious and cannot believe she fell for the trick.<ref name="LastB"/> John tries talking to Holly, but does not get through to her and he tries to manhandle her into his car. Holly manages to escape and decides to rob her family, so she can raise money to buy more drugs.<ref name="Morals"/> Holly and some of her friends take laptops, jewellery and other valuable possessions from Butler's Farm.<ref name="Morals"/> Powles told ''Inside Soap'' that John and Moira are left in disbelief at what their daughter has done as they did not think she would ever do something like that.<ref name="Morals"/> Powles opined Holly had lost all her "morals and sense of consequences" and the old Holly had gone. She added things would get worse for Holly before they get better.<ref name="Morals"/> {{Quote box |width=20% |align=left|bgcolor=#cccfff |quote="I've learned through research that people from all walks of life become addicted – those who've had terrible childhoods and those, like Holly, who come from a good family. The only clue is that she has an [[addictive personality]]. Once she tried drugs, she couldn't just take or leave them."<ref name="Crying"/>|source=—Powles on how Holly became an addict}} Dan eventually throws Holly out onto the streets and she heads back home. Powles told ''What's on TV'' Holly becomes more concerned about where she will get her drugs from than where she lives, but she goes to the village while under the influence of drugs.<ref name="Crying">{{cite web|url=https://www.whatsontv.co.uk/soaps/emmerdale/interviews/emmerdales-sophie-i-spend-all-day-crying/10447|title=Emmerdale's Sophie: 'I spend all day crying!'|date=11 October 2010|work=[[What's on TV]]|publisher=[[IPC Media]]|access-date=7 September 2011}}</ref> Ashley and [[Douglas Potts]] ([[Duncan Preston]]) find Holly in the graveyard and they call John and Moira to collect her. Holly starts going through [[cold turkey]] and her parents call a doctor.<ref name="Crying"/> Powles said Holly asks for "tranquillisers, sleeping pills, anything" because she has been without drugs for weeks. Moira asks Holly to leave if she is going to continue using drugs and Powles said Holly admits she has a problem because of her mother's behaviour.<ref name="Crying"/> When asked how tough the storyline has been, Powles replied "It's fantastic as an actress to have such a big storyline, but it's hard at times. When I get home after work I ask my boyfriend to make me laugh because I've been crying all day!"<ref name="Crying"/> Holly decides to attend a counselling session with Moira, but she immediately resents it and during a moment alone, she runs away and buys some heroin.<ref name="HollyHeroin">{{cite journal|last=Maund|first=Allison|date=9–15 October 2010|title=Holly's on heroin!|journal=[[Inside Soap]]|publisher=[[Hachette Filipacchi UK]]|issue=40|pages=8–9}}</ref> Holly returns home and John and Moira find her collapsed in her bedroom.<ref name="HollyHeroin"/> They try to wake her up and she tells them she took heroin, before passing out again. Holly begins taking [[methadone]] to help her get off the drugs, but she starts craving heroin.<ref name="Vow">{{cite news|url=http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/leisure/entertainment/tv/soapwatch/8495092.Vow___s_that_for_trouble/|title=Vow's that for trouble|date=4 November 2010|work=[[The Northern Echo]]|publisher=[[Newsquest]]|access-date=8 September 2011|archive-date=10 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010213929/http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/leisure/entertainment/tv/soapwatch/8495092.Vow___s_that_for_trouble/|url-status=live}}</ref> Holly realises she has no money and sells her body to a stranger to fund her habit.<ref name="Vow"/> Holly confesses to John and Moira about what she has done and they decide to lock her in her bedroom, forcing her to go cold turkey.<ref name="Vow"/>

===John's death and relapse=== In February 2012, John dies, following a car accident. Holly struggles to cope with John's death as he was her best friend as well as her father.<ref name="Chick">{{cite journal|date=3–16 March 2012|title=Heroin chick?|journal=[[All About Soap]]|publisher=[[Hearst Magazines UK]]|issue=265|page=37}}</ref> Powles told a writer for ''All About Soap'' that Holly lost her friends and her independence when she became addicted to drugs and John protected her.<ref name="Chick"/> Powles explained "He kind of became her addiction, so with him gone that support has disappeared suddenly and she feels very lost and empty."<ref name="Chick"/> Holly begins to resent Moira when she sees her lying around grieving for John because she blames her for causing a split within the family due to her affair with [[Cain Dingle]] ([[Jeff Hordley]]).<ref name="Chick"/> However, Hannah tells Holly that if she had not got into drugs then there would not have been any tension between Moira and John in the first place.<ref name="Chick"/> Holly and Moira have an argument when Holly washes some bed sheets that still smell of John and Powles said Holly is fed up of everyone thinking the worst of her when she is trying her best.<ref name="Chick"/> Things become too much for Holly when the family discuss where to scatter John's ashes as she is not ready to let go and move on.<ref name="Chick"/> Powles said "The agony's overwhelming and the only thing Holly can think of to get over the pain is to take a hit of heroin, so she succumbs - and goes out and scores a couple of wraps."<ref name="Chick"/> Holly keeps the drugs hidden in her room as she thinks about whether to take them or not. She is tempted to have a small hit to numb her pain. Powles added that Holly does not want to cause her family anymore heartache, but she will carry "the heroin-taking ghost" in the back of her mind forever.<ref name="Chick"/>

Holly gives in and takes the heroin after the family gather to scatter John's ashes.<ref name="CainSaves">{{cite journal|last=Moon|first=Katy|date=10–16 March 2012|title=Cain saves Holly's life!|journal=[[Inside Soap]]|publisher=[[Hearst Magazines UK]]|issue=10|pages=4–5}}</ref> She is still not ready to let go and Powles told ''Inside Soap's'' Katy Moon "John's funeral was bad enough because she was trying to be strong for her brother and sister. Scattering her dad's ashes is just too much, and she feels Moira is being very pushy about it."<ref name="CainSaves"/> After the family say goodbye, Holly prepares to take the drugs, but [[Alex Moss]] ([[Kurtis Stacey]]) stops her. He tells her to be strong for her family as she is the one person holding the family together.<ref name="CainSaves"/> Moon stated that Holly takes Alex's words the wrong way and she feels that the only way to get through the situation is to numb the pain with heroin.<ref name="CainSaves"/> Despite Alex getting rid of the drugs, he is unaware that Holly has more hidden away. She takes a hit and overdoses.<ref name="CainSaves"/> Powles explained that Holly does not mean to overdose. She previously had a high tolerance for heroin, but when she uses it again after being clean for so long, her body cannot cope with it.<ref name="CainSaves"/> Holly collapses near the local garage and she is found by Cain. Powles told Moon that Cain is initially reluctant to help Holly as he thinks his actions could be misinterpreted.<ref name="CainSaves"/> He is worried that people will think he is doing it to try and redeem himself, but his instincts take over and he takes her to the hospital.<ref name="CainSaves"/> Powles stated "The Bartons find it very difficult to swallow their pride and accept that Cain deserves their thanks, but Holly is really defensive of him."<ref name="CainSaves"/> The actress added that it is "a terrible time" for the family; Moira has lost her husband, so she could not bear to lose her daughter too.<ref name="CainSaves"/>

===Departure=== On 15 January 2012, it was announced Powles had quit her role as Holly.<ref name="QuitsRole">{{cite news|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/a360161/emmerdale-sophie-powles-quits-holly-barton-role/|title='Emmerdale' Sophie Powles quits Holly Barton role|last=Kilkelly|first=Daniel|date=15 January 2012|publisher=[[Digital Spy]]|access-date=5 February 2021|archive-date=4 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104205257/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/a360161/emmerdale-sophie-powles-quits-holly-barton-role/|url-status=live}}</ref> Her decision to leave ''Emmerdale'' came shortly after Thornton also announced his departure from the show.<ref name="QuitsRole"/> Of her exit, Powles stated: "I have had an awesome three years at ''Emmerdale''. I have made the best friends and have worked, had fun and learned so much with an amazing cast and crew. But after three years I am ready for some freedom to travel and be able to say yes to other projects and opportunities. I just want to say thank-you to everyone at ''Emmerdale'' for making it such a brilliant place to work."<ref name="QuitsRole"/> It was also announced that Kirsty-Leigh Porter would reprise her role as Roz for Holly's exit storyline.<ref name="QuitsRole"/> Powles later told Claire Donnelly of ''The People'' that she was starting to feel "a bit tied down" with her routine and she got itchy feet.<ref name="World">{{cite news|url=http://www.people.co.uk/celebs-tv/celebrity-interview/2012/03/18/emmerdale-star-sophie-powles-i-ve-had-a-great-time-playing-junkie-holly-but-i-m-off-round-the-world-with-my-boyfriend-102039-23792230/|title=Emmerdale star Sophie Powles: I've had a great time playing junkie Holly but I'm off round the world with my boyfriend|last=Donnelly|first=Claire|date=18 March 2012|work=[[The Sunday People|The People]]|access-date=18 March 2012|archive-date=13 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120513223129/http://www.people.co.uk/celebs-tv/celebrity-interview/2012/03/18/emmerdale-star-sophie-powles-i-ve-had-a-great-time-playing-junkie-holly-but-i-m-off-round-the-world-with-my-boyfriend-102039-23792230/|url-status=live}}</ref> The actress said "People will think I'm mad giving up a job like this but I know it is the right thing for me to do."<ref name="World"/> Powles continued to film until May and she made her screen departure on 20 June 2012.<ref name="World"/><ref>{{cite magazine|date=9–15 June 2012|title=Who's in? Who's out?|magazine=[[Inside Soap]]|issue=23|page=28}}</ref> Holly's exit storyline sees her leave the village after accepting a job as a trainee designer in London.<ref name="Calling">{{cite magazine|date=16–22 June 2012|title=London calling!|magazine=[[Inside Soap]]|issue=24|page=24}}</ref> Holly invites Hannah to accompany her. Moira initially refuses to allow her to leave, but relents and says goodbye to her daughters.<ref name="Calling"/>

===Return=== On 5 February 2016, new series producer Iain MacLeod announced that Powles had reprised her role and would be returning to ''Emmerdale'' the following month.<ref name="BringingBack">{{cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/news/a782545/emmerdale-is-bringing-back-sophie-powles-as-holly-barton-and-its-bad-news-for-cain/|title=Emmerdale is bringing back Sophie Powles as Holly Barton... and it's bad news for Cain Dingle|last=Kilkelly|first=Daniel|date=5 February 2016|publisher=[[Digital Spy]]|access-date=5 February 2016}}</ref> MacLeod stated that Holly would bring "fresh trouble to the Dales" and cause trouble for her stepfather Cain.<ref name="BringingBack"/> The producer continued, "Holly arrives with trouble trailing behind her and then we see Cain do what he does best, which is step in and save the day as only he can."<ref name="BringingBack"/> Holly returned on 24 March 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/news/a787660/emmerdale-spoilers-moira-dingle-is-heartbroken-as-she-realises-that-hollys-drug-problems-are-back/|title=Emmerdale spoilers: Moira Dingle is "heartbroken" as she realises that Holly's drug problems are back|last=Kilkelly|first=Daniel|date=22 March 2016|publisher=[[Digital Spy]]|access-date=24 March 2016|archive-date=23 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160323090356/http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/news/a787660/emmerdale-spoilers-moira-dingle-is-heartbroken-as-she-realises-that-hollys-drug-problems-are-back/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Death=== On 29 September, the character was killed off after suffering a heroin overdose.<ref name="KilledOff">{{cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/news/a809562/emmerdale-just-killed-off-holly-barton-in-a-devastating-storyline-twist/|title=Emmerdale just killed off Holly Barton in a devastating storyline twist|last=Kilkelly|first=Daniel|date=29 September 2016|publisher=[[Digital Spy]]|access-date=29 September 2016}}</ref> Holly's mother Moira was seen struggling to wake her daughter, until she realised that Holly was dead.<ref name="KilledOff"/> The storyline was not announced ahead of its broadcast, allowing viewers to be surprised.<ref name="KilledOff"/> In an interview with Daniel Kilkelly of Digital Spy, Powles told him that when she was asked to return, she had known it would only be for a six-month storyline focusing on Holly's drug addiction.<ref name="ShockDeath">{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/news/a809570/emmerdales-sophie-powles-reacts-holly-barton-shock-death/|title=Emmerdale's Sophie Powles reacts to Holly Barton's shock death: 'I was always prepared for this'|last=Kilkelly|first=Daniel|date=29 September 2016|publisher=[[Digital Spy]]|access-date=29 September 2016|archive-date=30 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160930212552/http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/news/a809570/emmerdales-sophie-powles-reacts-holly-barton-shock-death/|url-status=live}}</ref> Powles found the storyline "challenging", but pointed out that it was "a very serious and stark warning" showing the effects that drug addiction can have on people.<ref name="ShockDeath"/> She also stated that Holly's addiction came about from one bad decision and her "addictive personality", which eventually got out of control.<ref name="ShockDeath"/> Powles added that she was proud of the storyline and hoped it would raise awareness.<ref name="ShockDeath"/>

==Storylines== ===2009–2012=== Holly and her family arrive in the village and move into Butler's Farm. Holly gets a job at Home Farm, where she make friends with her employer's daughter, Maisie Wylde. She also begins studying art at college. Holly persuades [[Lisa Dingle]] ([[Jane Cox]]) to become a life model for her art class, after another model drops out. Holly meets Aaron Livesy and she is attracted to him. When Aaron accuses John of assault, Holly tries to seduce him into dropping the charges. Aaron calls her bluff and asks her to have sex with him, which she refuses to do. Holly and Aaron later go on a date and begin a relationship. Adam tells his family that he thinks Aaron is gay. Aaron denies Adam's accusations and Holly chooses to believe him. Holly later ends her relationship with Aaron. On a night out, Holly gives Maisie some cocaine. Maisie's mother, Natasha, finds out and sacks Holly, before telling her parents. When John and Moira confront Holly, she tells them she occasionally uses drugs. Holly starts taking drugs more frequently with her friend Roz Fielding, who supplies them to her. Holly is expelled from college after she fails to hand in her assignments. John and Moira find out about Holly's expulsion and learn she was dealing drugs. Holly is grounded and forced to work on the farm. She decides to stop taking drugs and earns the trust of her parents again. Vet [[Rhona Goskirk]] ([[Zoe Henry]]) visits the farm and finds some ketamine missing from her bag. John accuses Holly of taking it and searches her room, but does not find anything. Holly later retrieves the ketamine from Hannah's room, where she hid it, and swaps it for cocaine.

Holly overdoses in a toilet cubicle on a night out and Aaron takes Holly home. Holly begs him to keep her overdose a secret. Holly steals Scarlett Nicholls' purse to get money for drugs and babysits [[Viv Hope]]'s ([[Deena Payne]]) children while high. Holly also steals Viv's Valium pills and [[Isaac Nuttall]]'s ([[Jake Roche]]) MP3 player. Moira arranges for Holly to babysit for [[Laurel Thomas|Laurel]] ([[Charlotte Bellamy]]) and Ashley Thomas' children. Holly invites Roz to keep her company. Roz is disgusted when Holly insists on taking some cocaine. On their return home, Laurel and Ashley become suspicious about Holly's behavior and later find a wrap of cocaine. Ashley tells John and Moira and they manage to persuade him not to call the police. They confront Holly and she blames Roz. Roz becomes angry and tells John and Moira their daughter has a drug problem. When Holly refuses to stop doing drugs, John disowns her. Holly disappears, but later returns to pick up some belongings. Holly runs into Scarlett in town, but she runs off when Scarlett refuses to give her money. Scarlett sends Holly a text asking if they can meet. Holly discovers she has been set her up, when John appears. He tries to manhandle her into his car, but Holly escapes and runs off. She and her friends later burgle Butler's Farm. Aaron finds Holly working in a bar in Hotten and tells Moira, who turns up and is angered when Holly shows no remorse for what she has done. Moira drags Holly into her car and takes her to the police station, where she asks an officer to arrest her. Moira changes her mind about pressing charges and Holly apologises to her parents. John and Moira later visit Holly at her new address and meet her boyfriend Dan Cravely. Dan throws Holly out, when she cannot pay her way and she returns to the village. Ashley and Douglas Potts find Holly in the graveyard and take her home. Roz comes to visit and Holly asks her for drugs, but Roz refuses to help her.

Moira takes Holly to a counsellor, but Holly excuses herself and runs away. She gets some heroin and John and Moira find her collapsed in her room. Holly later has sex with a stranger for money, so she can buy some more drugs. John and Moira decide to lock Holly her in her room and she is forced to go through drug withdrawal alone. The situation begins to affect the whole family. Moira eventually buys some heroin and gives it to Holly, so she can be weaned off slowly. When John offers to take the drug with her, Holly decides to try to get clean. She goes on a methadone programme and gets a job at the factory. When the Barton's struggle financially, they are forced to sell a car. Holly asks Cain Dingle to get a cheap 4x4 for them and Moira goes along with the plan, paying Cain back in instalments. Holly is angry when she learns Moira has been having an affair with Cain and is on John's side. However, when she realises John is flirting with [[Chas Dingle]] ([[Lucy Pargeter]]), she forgives her mother and tries to get her back with John. Holly, Hannah and Adam are delighted when John and Moira announce they are back together and they book them a hotel room for a night. They later learn their parents have been in a car accident and they rush to the hospital. Holly is devastated when John dies. Holly tries to be strong for Moira and helps out around the house. She starts to think that John's death was her fault and she purchases some drugs from a dealer. Alex Moss finds Holly in the barn with the drugs and he takes them off of her. Holly asks Alex not to tell Moira about the incident. Cain later finds Holly unconscious at the garage with some drugs beside her and he takes her to the hospital. When she wakes up, Holly tells her family that the incident was a one off and she will not take drugs again. Holly then begins seeing a drugs counsellor again.

Holly becomes disillusioned with her life in the village and decides to move to London to live with Roz, who has got a job there. Holly is also offered a job in designing. Adam is angry and believes that the family should stick together due to their father's death, but Holly is adamant that she is going and Hannah decides to join her. After a farewell drinks gathering in The Woolpack, Holly and Hannah bid farewell to Moira and Adam and leave the village.

===2016=== Four years later, Holly returns and takes Cain's car. Moira and Cain give chase and manage to intercept her. Holly apologises for taking the car; she believed it was Moira's. Holly then catches up with Adam. She later tells someone on the phone that she will have their money for them soon. Holly's ex-boyfriend [[Dean (Emmerdale)|Dean]] ([[Craig Vye]]) turns up at Butler's Farm demanding Holly pay him back for the drugs he supplied to her. Holly tries to make a deal with Charity, telling her she will split Cain and Moira up for £2000, but Charity declines. Holly then suggests that they steal the money they both need from The Woolpack safe. Holly is then attacked by Dean and is rescued by Cain, after which she then starts to develop feeling for him. She jealously ruins her mother's anniversary plans with Cain and tries to frame Charity, to cause further tension between Moira and Cain. After Cain defends Holly when Moira and Adam accuse her of stealing money from Adam's wife Victoria, Holly tries to kiss Cain. He immediately rejects her. The day after, Cain fires Holly from the garage and insists she leave the farm. Holly confesses all to Moira, but lies that it was Cain who made the first move, not her. However, Moira sees through Holly's lies and bans her from living with them. Holly leaves, asking her cousin Pete a lift.

Holly takes drugs in the village pavilion, leaving a message for Moira, telling her of her plans. Cain finds the message and, listening to only half of it, deleted it from his wife's phone. Pete and Ross found Holly unconscious, and take her to hospital. Moira arrives and Cain admits what he did. Moira chases after Holly and promises to help her through her addiction. Upon returning home, Cain tells Moira that he cannot and will not watch her daughter die. She promises Moira that she will not take it again and with her help starts to get clean. Moira falls on a used needle whilst going to confront Simon, Holly's drug dealer and believes she has contracted [[HIV]]. Holly finds support from fellow drug addict [[Jai Sharma]] ([[Chris Bisson]]) and they date in secret. They attend a wedding together, where Holly takes photographs for a friend. The next day, Moira fails to wake Holly and she later discovers Holly is dead from a heroin overdose. Moira phones the emergency services, who process the scene and take Holly's body away.

==Reception== In 2011, Holly's drug addiction was nominated for "Best Storyline" at the [[The British Soap Awards|British Soap Awards]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://entertainment.stv.tv/tv/246561-british-soap-awards-2011-full-list-of-nominees/|title=British Soap Awards 2011: full list of nominees|date=3 May 2011|work=[[stv.tv]]|publisher=[[STV (TV network)|STV]]|access-date=4 September 2011}}</ref> ''[[Daily Mirror]]'' writer, Tony Stewart, said Holly's drug addiction was "one of the most harrowing" storylines of 2010.<ref name="Gone">{{cite news|url=http://blogs.mirror.co.uk/we-love-telly/2010/11/emmerdale-gone-for-a-burton.html|title=Emmerdale: Gone for a Burton|last=Stewart|first=Tony|date=27 November 2010|work=[[Daily Mirror]]|publisher=[[Trinity Mirror]]|access-date=5 September 2011|archive-date=15 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110915062626/http://blogs.mirror.co.uk/we-love-telly/2010/11/emmerdale-gone-for-a-burton.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He added "With a powerful and moving performance by relative newcomer Sophie Powles, Holly Barton has been transformed from a vivacious young student to a drug-ravaged, emaciated heroin addict over the last few months."<ref name="Gone"/> Stewart's colleague, Jane Simon, said Holly was a "pretty Anna Friel look-alike."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/We+love+telly%3b+Scotch+ON+THE+Roots..-a0206440423|title=We love telly; Scotch on the Roots|last=Simon|first=Jane|date=24 August 2009|work=[[Daily Mirror]]|publisher=[[Trinity Mirror]]|access-date=5 September 2011}}</ref> Simon later asked "If one of the Bartons had to die, why couldn't it have been vile Holly with her stupid voice like a creaky door?"<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/staying-in/what-s-on-tv/emmerdale-is-devastated-by-moiras-death-688904|title=Emmerdale is devastated by the crash death|last=Simon|first=Jane|date=17 February 2012|work=[[Daily Mirror]]|publisher=[[Trinity Mirror]]|access-date=17 February 2012|archive-date=17 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120217055418/http://www.mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/staying-in/what-s-on-tv/emmerdale-is-devastated-by-moiras-death-688904|url-status=live}}</ref> Claire Donnelly of ''The People'' said Powles had made "quite an impact as junkie Holly", with some members of the public coming up to the actress and asking her for drugs in the street.<ref name="World"/> In August 2017, Holly's death was longlisted for Best Shock Twist at the [[Inside Soap Awards|''Inside Soap'' Awards]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Harp|first1=Justin|title=Coronation Street, EastEnders, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks all make the ''Inside Soap'' Awards longlist|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/news/a836154/inside-soap-awards-longlist-coronation-street-eastenders-emmerdale-hollyoaks/|access-date=22 August 2017|work=[[Digital Spy]]|publisher=[[Hearst Magazines UK]]|date=22 August 2017|archive-date=22 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170822094804/http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/news/a836154/inside-soap-awards-longlist-coronation-street-eastenders-emmerdale-hollyoaks/|url-status=live}}</ref> The nomination made the viewer-voted shortlist,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Kilkelly|first1=Daniel|title=''Inside Soap'' Awards 2017 shortlist revealed – which Corrie, EastEnders, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks stars are up for prizes?|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/coronation-street/news/a841879/inside-soap-awards-2017-shortlist/|access-date=4 November 2017|work=[[Digital Spy]]|publisher=[[Hearst Magazines UK]]|date=31 October 2017|archive-date=5 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171105032051/http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/coronation-street/news/a841879/inside-soap-awards-2017-shortlist/|url-status=live}}</ref> but it lost out to the return of [[Andy Carver]] ([[Oliver Farnworth]]) in ''[[Coronation Street]]''.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Dainty|first1=Sophie|title=Emmerdale wins best soap at the ''Inside Soap'' Awards for the third year running|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/news/a842388/emmerdale-wins-best-soap-inside-soap-awards/|access-date=6 November 2017|work=[[Digital Spy]]|publisher=[[Hearst Magazines UK]]|date=6 November 2017|archive-date=7 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107043703/http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/news/a842388/emmerdale-wins-best-soap-inside-soap-awards/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==References== {{Reflist|30em}}

==External links== * [http://www.itv.com/emmerdale/characters/holly-barton/ Holly Barton] at [[itv.com]] * [https://web.archive.org/web/20111015034058/http://whatsontv.co.uk/soaps/emmerdale/whos-who/holly-barton/768 Holly Barton] at [[What's on TV]] * [https://www.imdb.com/character/ch0160413/ Holly Barton] at the [[Internet Movie Database]]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Barton, Holly}} [[Category:Emmerdale characters]] [[Category:Television characters introduced in 2009]] [[Category:British female characters in soap operas]] [[Category:English female characters in television]] [[Category:Fictional drug addicts]] [[Category:Fictional drug-related deaths]] [[Category:Barton family (Emmerdale)]] [[Category:Deceased fictional characters]]