Emmerdale actor Jonny McPherson, who plays Dr Liam Cavanagh, has had a romantic history that made headlines. He dated co-star Natalie J. Robb, but the relationship ended due to lockdown pressures. He now has a 'wonderful' new partner.
Romance with Emmerdale Co-Star
In 2019, during an Emmerdale charity trip to Lapland, Jonny McPherson and Moira Dingle actress Natalie J. Robb developed feelings for each other. They shared a kiss in January 2020. However, the Covid-19 lockdown hit that same year, prompting the new couple to move in together—a decision Natalie later described as 'too soon'.
Speaking to the Mirror in November 2020, Jonny said: '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 at the time told the Mirror: '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.'
Split and Friendship
Despite navigating lockdown with 'flying colours', the couple parted ways in 2021. They are understood to have remained friends. In 2022, Natalie spoke candidly about the breakdown. She told 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.'
After the split, Jonny returned to his houseboat, which had been his on-and-off residence for about four years. He told Lorraine: '[You've got] everything you need. 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.'
'Wonderful' New Partner
In 2023, Jonny revealed he had found love again with a 'wonderful' new partner. Speaking to 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.'
Jonny joined Emmerdale in 2014 as Dr Liam Cavanagh and has become a fan favourite, involved in major storylines including the loss of his daughter Leanna (played by Mimi Slinger). Most recently, in Monday's episode (June 22), he helped track down Kev Townsend (Chris Coghill) after his son Lewis Barton (Bradley Riches) was abducted.
