Godfrey James made his unforgettable debut in 1983 as the brutal farmer and quarry owner Harry Mowlam.
Although his role in the long-running soap lasted no more than three years, he made a lasting impression on viewers and was often berated in the street.
Starring as the dangerous farmer, James’ character disgusted fans after he mistreated his animals, committed armed robbery and terrorised the village.
During his time in the Dales, Harry also attempted to run over and kill Jackie Merrick (played by Ian Sharrock) before making unwanted sexual advances to Dolly Skilbeck (Jean Rogers).
His character’s villainous ways proved difficult for viewers to associate with and instead, they took out their anger for Harry on James.
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Godfrey James starred in Emmerdale as Harry Mowlam (Image: YouTube)
The actor previously revealed he couldn’t go anywhere without being accosted by fans and told The Mirror: “Old ladies have spat at me, and I have nearly been assaulted a few times.
“Mind you, I can understand it. Harry Mowlam is a really nasty piece of work. He’s by far the most dreadful character I’ve ever played.”
James remarked: “He knocks the spot off J.R. in Dallas or any of the other so-called nasties.
Speaking on Harry, he continued: “He’s a nutcase, a bit touched … and he’s going to come to a sticky end one day.”
Unlike the plethora of villainous characters he portrayed, James admitted: “I’m really a pussycat at heart.”
Harry Mowlam was killed off Emmerdale in 1986 (Image: YouTube)
Harry met his grizzly death in 1986 when he was beaten to death by his partner-in-crime, Derek Warner (Dennis Blanch).
Derek worried that Harry’s bragging and flaunting of his riches would lead the police to discover their part in the robbery.
After the murder, he allowed Matt Skillbeck (Fredrick Pyne) to take the blame, but when evidence mounted against Derek, he confessed to being Harry’s murderer.
Following his departure from , James starred in films including 1987’s Out of Order and Piccolo Grande Amore in 1993.
He also went on to star in in 1997 as Sunliners Travel Agency chairman, Sam Briscoe as well as A Very Peculiar Practice and ‘s Crime Traveller.
James died in Eastbourne in October 2019 aged 88.