Get the latest OK! breaking news on WhatsAppOur community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More infoJoin us on WhatsApp Emmerdale enthusiasts are well aware of Jeff Hordley’s notorious role as the brooding Cain Dingle, who swaggered into the village 25 years ago. His on-screen life has been peppered with scandalous romances, including a tempestuous affair with his cousin Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins). While he did find a semblance of stability when he tied the knot with Moira Dingle (Natalie J. Robb) in 2014, their marriage has been anything but serene, especially with Cain’s recent affair with Ruby Fox-Miligan (Beth Cordingly) while Moira faced surgery, reports Leeds Live. Nevertheless, away from the cameras, Jeff’s off-screen romance is dramatically different from Cain’s turbulent love life. He’s happily married to fellow Emmerdale star Zoe Henry, who brings Rhona Goskirk to life on the ITV show. Let’s delve into this duo’s love story away from the drama of the Dales. Love at first sight
The Emmerdale stars have been married for over two decades
Zoe and Jeff’s paths crossed long before they shared screen time on Emmerdale. They first met while at the Manchester Metropolitan University School of Theatre in 1994 and quickly became sweethearts. Reflecting on their initial meeting, Zoe shared the charming details during a chat with Lorraine on her show, saying: “We got together at drama school. We’ve been together 28 years. With the connection on set, we were together for 10 years before that as well. We got together in 1994, I believe.” As for Jeff, it seems it was a case of love striking immediately; in a heartfelt disclosure to Soaplife magazine back in 2011, he confessed: “We met at drama school in 1994. I saw Zoe and realised she was the girl for me.” At just 23, Jeff made his move on 21-year0old Zoe, the only person in college he had eyes for, and was thrilled when she agreed to be with him. He recalled: “I made moves and, fortunately, she said yes on that occasion too.” Award-winning proposal
Jeff and Zoe first met back at drama school
(Image: Getty Images)
Years into their relationship, Jeff seized the perfect moment to propose – the same day Zoe won Best Actress in a Leading Role at the 2022 Manchester Evening News theatre awards. Although unsure if she’d take home the award against stiff competition like Amanda Donohoe, he knew a win would be the ideal end to the day. In an interview with Manchester Evening News, the ITV star confessed: “I had been planning to propose for a some time and thought to myself: ‘If she wins today, I’ll do it today’. “When she won, I leaped out of my seat in front of her. Then it dawned on me that her winning meant that I had to propose – and that’s when the nerves set in. Fortunately for me, she said yes.” Intimate wedding
The Emmerdale stars had a low-key wedding in 2003
(Image: Zoe Henry Twitter)
A year after getting engaged, the couple opted for a discreet wedding ceremony. Prior to exchanging vows, Jeff was adamant about keeping the occasion out of the spotlight, insisting: “OK and Hello magazines won’t be there, no way. I like to keep my private life to myself. I just wouldn’t do that. “I wouldn’t want to bring that kind of intrusive pressure on myself or on my family and my friends.” The duo said ‘I do’ amidst the historic grandeur of Hedingham Castle, then danced the night away at the Swan Hotel in Lavenham. The celebration was a star-studded affair with many Emmerdale favourites, including Emma Atkins, who brings Cain’s ex Charity Tate to life, and Charley Webb, known to fans as his on-screen daughter Debbie. Family life
Emmerdale stars Zoe Henry and Jeff Hordley at their allotment
(Image: BBC)
Two years after getting married, the couple embraced parenthood with the arrival of their daughter Violet, followed by the birth of their son Stan in 2008. The family, along with their two beloved dogs, reside in a stunning home nestled in the Yorkshire Dales. Zoe often gives fans a peek into their private world via social media, showcasing their time spent nurturing homegrown produce in their allotment. In a heart-to-heart with the Sun’s Fabulous Magazine back in 2019, Zoe shared: “We have an allotment and it’s so therapeutic to have your hands in the earth. “We’re mindful of what we eat, but watching our diet isn’t about being on TV, it’s more about general well-being, as Jeff has Crohn’s disease.” Emmerdale is available to watch on ITVX.
