Emmerdale star Jeff Hordley paid an emotional tribute to his family after winning Best Serial Performance at the 2026 National Television Awards. The Cain Dingle actor faced stiff competition for the award at the ceremony, held at London's O2 Arena on Tuesday night (September 8).
Career and Storyline
Jeff first appeared in Emmerdale as Cain Dingle in 2000, arriving for Butch Dingle's funeral. He left in 2006 but returned in 2009, becoming a permanent fixture in the soap opera ever since.
Jeff was up for the award off the back of his ongoing cancer storyline, with Cain being diagnosed with prostate cancer. The storyline raised awareness for the illness, with 56,000 men diagnosed with prostate cancer every year in England.
Viewers were full of praise for the storyline, which saw Cain initially trying his best to deal with the outcome on his own. He eventually opened up to his family and wife Moira Dingle, with them providing him support on the journey.
Competition and Win
Also up for the award were EastEnders stars Aaron Thiara, who plays Ravi Gulati, and Paul Bradley, whose character Nigel Bates died earlier in the year after a battle with dementia. Coronation Street's Sue Devaney, who plays Debbie Webster, and Todd Grimshaw actor Gareth Pierce were also nominated.
In the end, it was Crumpsall native Jeff, who grew up in Oldham, who walked away the winner.
Emotional Acceptance Speech
Collecting his award, Jeff said: "Thank you to everyone who voted for me, it means an awful lot. I was in some really strong company, this really does take my breath away."
"It's been an honour and a huge educational journey for me with this prostate cancer storyline. I'd like to thank Emmerdale for writing this really sensitively and highlighting all the side effects, problems and difficulties that men and families all around the country face."
He added: "I'd like to make a special thanks to Errol, to Dennis and my father-in-law Graham for their bravery that's inspired me through this storyline."
Going on to thank his onscreen and off-screen family, Jeff said: "A massive thanks to this lady, my wingwoman Natalie Jay Robb [who plays Natalie J. Robb and presented the award]. She makes acting a breeze. You're just joyful Nat, every day is a joy working with you."
"Thank you to my real wife Zoe Henry, my rock and my soulmate. I am so lucky. To my two children, Stanley and Violet, you are my world and I am so thankful and grateful for you having to put up with me being Cain Dingle every day."
