Emmerdale star Zoe Henry has spoken candidly about her husband Jeff Hordley's long-term battle with Crohn's disease, describing the diagnosis as 'life-changing'. The actress, who plays Rhona Goskirk on the ITV soap, revealed the couple's struggles during an appearance on Loose Women in 2019.
Jeff Hordley, known for his role as Cain Dingle, was diagnosed with the inflammatory digestive condition at the age of 18, after experiencing stomach cramps and diarrhoea for six years. He has since undergone several hospital stays due to his condition.
Speaking about the impact on their lives, Zoe said: 'He was diagnosed when he was about 18, so he was 23 when I met him, and it’s sort of changed our lives.' She highlighted the importance of their allotment in helping Jeff manage his condition, noting the mental health benefits of gardening and the health benefits of eating home-grown produce.
Jeff previously told Express.co.uk about his struggles before diagnosis, including fatigue and weight loss, which led him to miss lectures and drop out of his final year plays as a drama student. He was eventually referred to a specialist at Manchester Royal Infirmary.
The couple, who married in 2003 and have two children, have faced these challenges together, with Zoe emphasising the positive role of their allotment in their family life.
