Sam

Big news, NFL fans: The titular star for Season 30 of ABC‘s hit reality show “The Bachelor” is none other than Sam Hartman!

You know, the “Washington Commanders star,” as Hartman was introduced Friday on “Good Morning America?”

Still not ringing a bell? A promo clip played on “GMA” describes the quarterback as “a 6-foot-1, frequently fan-voted Adonis you might know from the Washington Commanders.”

No? You somehow must have missed all those preseason games Hartman has played for the Commanders over the past three seasons. Or the occasions that he suited up for regular season games in between stints on the team’s practice squad.

OK, so Hartman is not exactly the NFL “star” that the folks at ABC seem to be pushing (there is the slightest chance that he got the “Bachelor” gig based more on soap opera-esque good looks that include flowing hair, a perfectly trimmed beard and, of course, the athletic physique). He is currently a member of the Commanders’ practice squad .

Seriously though, there is a good chance college football fans remember Hartman. He played five seasons at Wake Forest and holds the Atlantic Coast Conference record for most touchdown passes (110), as well as a number of team records (including his 12,967 passing yards).

Hartman played one more college season at Notre Dame — completing 191 of 301 passes for 2,689 yards with 24 touchdowns and eight interceptions and leading the Fighting Irish to a 9-3 record — before joining the Commanders as an undrafted rookie in 2024. He has bounced between the team’s practice squad and active roster ever since and has yet to play in a regular season game.

After the Commanders’ 24-21 victory over the New York Giants on Thursday night in East Rutherford, N.J., Hartman flew back to Washington with his teammates, then right back up north to New York for the big reveal on “GMA.”

Asked how he felt about having his search for love being broadcast for the world to see, Hartman said he is “very nervous.”

“You know, I have probably a tough time holding a conversation with one girl — 30 is going to be pretty tough,” Hartman said. “My teammates were giving me some advice on the plane ride back, so probably not gonna listen to anybody on that. But, no, I’m excited, but also very nervous.”

Hartman said he initially was going to turn down the opportunity because of “the connotation of it.” But he changed his mind after a conversation with Jesse Palmer, who was a New York Giants backup quarterback when he starred in Season 5 of “The Bachelor” and has hosted the show since 2022.

“I was like, ‘I don’t know,’ and I got really lucky and talked to Jesse Palmer,” Hartman said. “He kind of gave me the insight and gave me kind of a what it is, what it’s not. … And I know one thing: When people are saying I do, they don’t ask you where you met. They just ask you, ‘You want to do it forever?’ and I don’t see any problem with that.”

Away from Emmerdale, James Hooton’s real life couldn’t be more different from his on-screen Dales alter-ego Sam Dingle

Emmerdale’s James Hooton is a soap legend playing Sam Dingle – but what do we know about his life?

James shot to fame as Sam on the long-running ITV soap, making his debut in 1995. As the beloved son of Zak Dingle (Steve Halliwell), it didn’t take Sam long to become a firm favourite.

He has also been involved in several big storylines too, most notably when he helped his terminally ill wife Alice Dingle (Ursula Holden-Gill) die in a truly heartbreaking twist.

Away from the soap, James’ real life couldn’t be more different from his on-screen Dales alter-ego… Here’s everything we know about soap icon James.

James’ real accent

In July 2024, James featured on ITV’s Loose Women, where he spoke about his continued involvement with Emmerdale. But viewers at the time were left stunned by his real voice.

Fans are well acquainted with hearing Sam deliver his lines in a pronounced Yorkshire dialect, leaving many astonished to learn it differs from the actor’s natural speaking voice.

Emmerdale’s Instagram page previously shared backstage clips showcasing James, who originates from Carlton, Nottinghamshire.

One admirer noted: “Love Sam, and it’s so weird to hear him speak when out of character.” Another startled watcher observed: “James’ accent never fails to surprise me”, while a third added: “An absolutely brilliant actor.”

James’ partner and children

Beyond Emmerdale, James is loved-up with partner Nancy Lucas and is a proud father to their two children, Ava-Rose and Lily.

It has been reported that the pair met on the set of Emmerdale in 2004. Nancy owns her own dance company called Total Dance, where she also works as a Zumba instructor.

The soap star proposed to Nancy, on Valentine’s Day in 2010. The pair have also previously opened up about their struggle to conceive, as they explained they had been trying for another baby for two years.

“We’ve been trying to get pregnant for around two years but it just wasn’t happening,” James explained to OK magazine before Nancy shared that they started going down the fertility route. However, three months in, she fell pregnant “without any intervention”.

Earlier this year, James shared a sweet family update, revealing his eldest Lily would be off travelling soon – something he had “mixed emotions” about.

“Last family breakfast before Lily heads off on her travels! 78 nights away and countless countries to be visited! Can’t wait to chart her journey and hear her stories,” James said. He added: “Mixed emotions but SO proud that she’s arranged and funded it all herself! Conceive, believe, achieve.”

James’ muscle makeover

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James has built up an incredibly muscular physique over the years and proudly shows it off on social media. He is an avid rock climber and regularly documents his fitness activities on Instagram.

James often travels to different parts of the country in search of the best climbing spots, sharing footage from places, including Pateley Bridge and Shipley Glen in Yorkshire.

The intense sport means James has become quite stacked over the years – and fans have noticed. One comment on his social media reads: “OMG never thought Sammy was such a DILF”, while another says: “You must have muscles of steel.”

Emmerdale airs Monday to Friday at 8:00pm on ITV1 and ITVX

Warrington Wolves head coach Sam Burgess has signed a new two-year deal.

The 37-year-old former dual-code England international has won 63 of his 99 games since being appointed for the 2024 campaign.

During his time in charge they have twice finished runners up in the Challenge Cup final and were beaten by Wakefield Trinity in last season’s Grand Final.

He confirmed after last month’s Old Trafford defeat that he had “given his word” to owner Simon Moran to stay on for next season.

“It’s a real honour to extend my time at the Wire, and I’m excited to continue leading this club forwards,” he told the club website., external

“I love what we’re doing and believe we’re not far away from achieving what we are all chasing.”

Warrington finished third in Burgess’ first season in charge before slumping to eighth in 2025.

However, with the experienced Steve McNamara brought in as assistant, they bounced back well last season to finish third again and reach a first Grand Final since 2018.

McNamara has since left to take over at Hull FC.

“Sam is a vital part of what this club is building. His trust and passion for youth development have allowed some of our most talented pathway products to thrive in a first-grade environment,” director of rugby Gary Chambers added.

“To reach three major finals in three years shows how close we are to achieving what we all want.”