Emmerdale viewers were delighted as real-life couple Jeff Hordley and Zoe Henry shared a rare on-screen scene together, despite the sad storyline involving Monty the dog.
The Dingles are currently on a streak of bad luck, and it's about to get worse as their dog, Monty, reaches the end of his life. Earlier this year, Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) underwent surgery for prostate cancer, but is now needing further treatment to eradicate the disease.
After learning the cancer had spread, the mechanic initially rejected any more medical intervention due to the major impact it could have on the quality of his life. However, Cain changed his mind when his beloved pet Monty was also diagnosed with cancer and has no chance of survival.
Cain's new perspective
The sad news prompted Cain to adopt a new perspective on his own life, and he wants to ensure Monty has the most comfortable life in the lead-up to his death. On Monday (August 3), Cain asked Kyle Winchester (Huey Quinn) if he would like his step-mum, Moira Dingle (Natalie J Robb), to officially adopt him.
But before the father and son could discuss the idea further, they were interrupted by a worried Sam Dingle (James Hooton), who announced that something was wrong with Monty. Local vet Rhona Goskirk (Zoe Henry) rushed to the cottage to examine Monty and informed Sam and Cain that the cancer may have spread.
"Is there anything we can do to help him?" Sam nervously asked as Rhona confirmed, "It may be time to think of the next steps." The news left Cain looking heartbroken as Rhona offered her support as Monty's death neared.
Viewers react to rare scene
Despite the tragic news, Emmerdale viewers rejoiced as real-life couple Jeff Hordley and Zoe Henry shared their first emotional scene. With Rhona married to Marlon Dingle (Mark Charnock), viewers often see her interacting with her husband's family and occasionally chats to Cain, but she rarely interacts with just him.
Taking to Facebook, one viewer expressed: "It was nice seeing Cain and Rhona in a scene tonight. Should happen more often." A second simply commented: "Definitely," while a third chimed in: "It's the second time she's been in scenes together with Cain."
"They also shared a brief scene when the helicopter crashed on Debbie and Pete Barton's wedding day in 2015. It was like blink and you missed it", pointed out one fan. "They have said before they prefer not to be in scenes together. Which I suppose is fair enough, they are married, so don't want to be working together continuously as well," added another.
Jeff and Zoe's relationship
In the summer of 2005, Cain Dingle actor Jeff married Rhona Goskirk actress Zoe at the medieval Hedingham Castle, near Sudbury, East Anglia, followed by a reception at the luxury Swan Hotel in Lavenham. The couple went on to welcome daughter Violet Ava in 2005 and son Stan in 2008.
To support them in the early days of parenting, Emmerdale bosses ensured Cain and Rhona's storylines were filmed at separate times, allowing them to share childcare duties. In a previous interview with Lorraine, Zoe revealed: "We often do line learning together. This time, Jeff's been amazing. He's just taking the weight of what's going on at home."
"Obviously, we've got two kids, two dogs, we've got an allotment, and he's just managing all of that. He's about to get busy as I sort of quieten down, so we'll swap the baton then." She also told Inside Soap: "I think we probably both prefer not to work together. Of course, we enjoy each other's company, yet I think we quite enjoy each other's independence at work."
"I don't know how well Rhona and Cain would get on, either – although I can see why it's a source of amusement for people if we're in the same scenes." Emmerdale airs weekdays on ITV and ITVX.
