Emmerdale actor Jonny McPherson, known for playing Dr Liam Cavanagh, has had a notable love life away from the soap. After a romance with co-star Natalie J. Robb, he has since found happiness with a new partner.
Romance with Emmerdale Co-Star Natalie J. Robb
In 2019, during an Emmerdale charity trip to Lapland, Jonny McPherson and Moira Dingle star Natalie J. Robb began to develop feelings for one another. In January 2020, the pair shared a kiss. However, later that year, the UK entered lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic. As a result, the new couple decided to move in together—a decision Natalie later described as 'too soon'.
Speaking to the Mirror in November 2020, Jonny revealed: 'We had to make a decision as lots of couples did. We decided to move in together and so, yes, lockdown did fast forward our relationship.' He added: 'We get on so well. We come from quite different backgrounds but we are essentially the same person. We are both a pair of big kids. We have exactly the same stupid humour.'
A source told the Mirror at the time: 'Natalie has had her fair share of romps as Moira but this time she’s found love off screen. Everyone is so happy for them. Lockdown gave them some quality time together and they couldn’t be happier. It’s still early days but Natalie can’t stop smiling.'
The Split
Although the couple got through lockdown with 'flying colours', they ended their relationship in 2021. They are said to remain friends. In 2022, Natalie opened up about the breakup, telling The Sun: 'Unfortunately, it was Covid times, so there was this added pressure. He moved in with me during the first lockdown and it was just too intense, too soon. And if you’re not used to that, which I hadn’t been for a while, we realised pretty quickly that we were better off as friends.'
Jonny's 'Wonderful' New Girlfriend
After the split, Jonny returned to living on his houseboat, a traditional English narrowboat. He told Lorraine: 'It's seven feet wide, a traditional English narrowboat. So I can barely stick my arms out! It's got a seven-foot cabin height, so I can just about get on my tip-toes.'
In 2023, Jonny confirmed he was in a relationship with a 'wonderful' new woman. Discussing his new partner with OK! Magazine, he said: 'I am with someone. She is absolutely wonderful. We’ve been together for a couple of years. I am really happy.'
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 8:00pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
