fans are well acquainted with character Cain Dingle, whose arrival in the village 25 years ago set the stage for a series of romantic entanglements and scandals.
Among his notable dalliances was the stormy liaison with cousin (played by Emma Atkins), although he seemingly found stability when he married Moira Dingle (portrayed by Natalie J.Robb) in 2014.
Yet, his narrative took another twist as he recently betrayed his wife during her brain tumour surgery, embarking on an affair with his brother’s partner Ruby Fox-Miligan (Beth Cordingly).
However, off-screen, Jeff Hordley’s life is drastically different. He’s happily wed to Zoe Henry, who plays Rhona Goskirk in the soap.
We’ve taken a look into the soap stars romance, from their uni days to their family life in Yorkshire.
First meeting
The Emmerdale stars have been married for over two decades (Image: Zoe Henry Twitter)
Jeff and Zoe’s pre- history stretches back to their drama school days at Manchester Metropolitan University School of Theatre in 1994, where they first crossed paths and swiftly became a couple, reports
Speaking on Lorraine’s talk show, Zoe reminisced about their origins: “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.”
Jeff, conveying a sense of kismet in their relationship, professed to Soaplife magazine in 2011: “We met at drama school in 1994. I saw Zoe and realised she was the girl for me.”
Jeff found himself smitten with Zoe at the tender ages of 23 and 21, confessing she was the only one he wanted to be with during their college years.
He made his move and was delighted when she reciprocated his feelings, saying: “I made moves and fortunately, she said yes on that occasion too.”
Stellar proposal
Jeff and Zoe first met back at drama school (Image: GETTY)
Fast forward a few years, and Jeff decided to propose on a day already marked for celebration—Zoe had just won Best Actress in a Leading Role at the Manchester Evening News’s theatre awards in 2002.
Despite her being pitted against big names like Amanda Donohoe, Jeff held out hope for her victory and saw it as the perfect opportunity to pop the question.
Speaking to Manchester Evening News, the ITV star shared: “I had been planning to propose for 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.”
Private wedding
The Emmerdale stars had a low-key wedding in 2003 (Image: Getty Images)
A year after their engagement, the couple opted for a low-key wedding ceremony, keen to keep their special day away from the public eye.
Jeff was adamant about maintaining their privacy, stating: “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 couple exchanged vows at the stunning Hedingham Castle, then celebrated their union at the Swan Hotel in Lavenham.
Their wedding was a star-studded affair with several colleagues present to share their joy, such as Emma Atkins, known for her role as Cain’s ex Charity Tate, and Charley Webb, who portrays his daughter Debbie on-screen.
Emmerdale stars Zoe Henry and Jeff Hordley at their allotment (Image: BBC)
Family life
Two years into marriage, the duo were overjoyed to welcome their first child, a daughter named Violet, followed later by their son Stan, born in 2008.
The family and their two dogs reside in a beautiful home nestled in the Yorkshire Dales, where they revel in the tranquillity of rural life.
Zoe frequently gives fans a glimpse into their private world via social media, showcasing their dedication to cultivating homegrown produce in their allotment.
In a candid chat with the Sun’s Fabulous Magazine in 2019, Zoe opened up about the importance of their lifestyle: “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.”
is available to watch on ITVX.
Zoe frequently gives fans a glimpse into their private world via social media, showcasing their dedication to cultivating homegrown produce in their allotment.
In a candid chat with the Sun’s Fabulous Magazine in 2019, Zoe opened up about the importance of their lifestyle: “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.”
is available to watch on ITVX