Emmerdale fans say new Ellis Chapman looks a DECADE older – joking that Dubai has aged him dramatically

EMMERDALE fans were left giggling last night when Aaron Anthony was unveiled as the new Ellis Chapman - saying he looks 10 years older.

The actor is taking the place of 25-year-old Asan N'Jie, who was axed after threatening to "knife and kill" Jamie Lomas at an awards bash in September.

The character was said to have gone to Dubai to be with his mother when Asan was dumped.

Fans now want to know what happened to him in the desert state - joking that he stumbled into a time machine.

One tweeted: "Choked on my drink. He looks like he's aged 10yrs."

A second gasped: "He looks about 10 years older than Ellis last time we saw him? Did he go in a time machine in Dubai?"

Another gasped: "Is this real? He looks about 30 and I cant see him and Belle together."

Others insisted the sunshine in Dubai had aged him - while another said: “This new actor looks more like the dad.”

Last month, viewers saw Ellis head over to Dubai to work at his mum Jessie’s school as a PE assistant.

Viewers will see him return unannounced to the village in December - just as tensions between Al and Billy threaten to boil over.

Aaron said: "Emmerdale is a cracking show with a brilliant cast that I'm over the moon to now be a part of."

"I know Ellis is a well loved character and I'm looking forward to continuing his journey and all that's in store for him."

Asan, who joined the ITV soap as Ellis Chapman last year, became embroiled in a row with Jamie after the TV Choice Awards at London's Hilton Park Lane hotel.

The dispute is believed to have been started by Asan - who was heard goading Jamie.

As the atmosphere turned toxic, the young star had to be restrained and could be heard shouting: “Do you think you are a f***ing big man, I’m going to f***ing kill you.”