Two Emmerdale co-stars who played on-screen husband and wife are reportedly dating in real life away from the ITV soap. Olivia Bromley, who played Dawn Fletcher until she was killed off earlier this year, and Ned Porteous, who plays her partner Joe Tate, are said to be in a relationship after their on-screen chemistry extended beyond the cameras.
On-Screen Couple Now a Real-Life Item
A source told The Sun: “The on-screen chemistry between Olivia and Ned was there for everyone to see, but what the viewers don’t know is they were actually a real life couple off screen while acting out sex scenes.” The pair reportedly kept their relationship private while working closely together on the show.
The source added: “It was easy for them to get away with it because they were working so closely together. A few people clocked what was going on and they both admitted that they were seeing where things go, but it’s been a good few months now and they couldn’t be happier.”
Dawn's Exit and Joe's Downfall
Dawn died after Jimmy King’s van crashed into her wedding marquee, though she managed to give birth to her son with Joe in the hospital before she passed away. Joe was unable to face the baby boy and gave him up for a private adoption, though it was recently revealed that the baby had ended up with Graham Foster, who left Kim Tate delighted when he revealed the baby was safe.
Joe, meanwhile, has been going off the rails – burying Ruby alive and getting involved in high-stakes gambling after Dawn’s death. The source noted: “Ned has done a great job of playing the grieving fiancé, and it’s easy to understand why now that his real life relationship with Olivia has come to light.”
Olivia on Her Departure
Olivia admitted to Metro about being killed off: “I wouldn’t have killed her off if it was my choice, I’d have loved to have been able to play her in the future, but this is the thing about being an actor; the producers make decisions, they’ve got this great story, and when we talked about it, I was like, ‘Oh my goodness, it’s so tragic!’”
She added: “But also, in a way, it’s exciting because I knew when we were talking about the story that it means I can’t come back – or can I? Who knows? I mean, Graham came back! Maybe I’ll come back as Dawn’s twin or something.” Olivia also said she is “excited” to “spread her wings” after eight years on the show and wants to “embrace new challenges”. Express.co.uk has contacted Ned and Olivia's reps for comment.
