Simon Lennon admits knowing Danny Miller before joining 'Emmerdale' has helped them film scenes together.
The soap newcomer has joined as Ben, who has a dark past with his co-star's alter ego Aaron Dingle, who bullied Ben at school over his sexuality.
In real life, the two actors are close friends and worked together earlier this year on the movie 'PACE' - which Danny directed - and it has helped their on-screen performances.
Simon told Mirror Online: "Danny and I met a couple of years ago, I've been involved in the Once Upon a Smile football team and stuff like that across the years.
"We worked together to produce a short film at the start of this year, so when this came around and I messaged Danny saying I would be screen testing.
"It was so nice because immediately I knew I'd have a good time regardless of if I got the job or not. He's a brilliant actor, and such a staple in 'Emmerdale', he's a loved character."
Simon also admitted it has been an easy transition joining the ITV show's cast, thanks to their friendship.
He added: "It's been great working with Danny, he's top class and it's been so welcoming and wonderful for me, it was great to have a friend there to support me."
Danny is also delighted to be working with Simon again, and he praised his talents and professionalism on their project earlier this year.
He said: "I was lucky enough to work with him on the film we did earlier this year. We hit it off straight away.
"We have a working chemistry already, he's very professional, he always knows his lines. He's always on top of things."
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