Emmerdale star Laura Norton, who plays Kerry Wyatt, has opened up about her wedding plans and her children's rare genetic condition. The 42-year-old actress and her fiance Mark Jordon, 61, have been engaged for seven years but have postponed their wedding to focus on organising the Cure Usher Ball in London this September.
Wedding Plans on Hold
Laura revealed that planning both a wedding and a charity ball for 350 people would be overwhelming. "There's just the two of us doing it and I've got lists all over the house. That's why we can't get married this year," she explained. The couple originally dreamed of a lavish wedding abroad but now want a simple celebration of love. They are considering getting married on Kelvin Fletcher's farm in Cheshire. Laura said, "I haven't told Kelvin this yet, but he'll be fine with it. We'd want our children to be a part of it."
Children's Diagnosis
Laura and Mark's children, Jesse, five, and Ronnie, three, both have Usher syndrome, a rare incurable condition causing hearing and vision loss. Laura said, "We never think 'why us?' All we can do is turn it into something positive. It's given us a purpose." The family has learned British Sign Language to communicate better, and Laura has been teaching her co-star Mike Parr BSL for Deaf Awareness Week.
Emmerdale Role
Laura has played Kerry Wyatt since 2012 and loves the character. "She's caring, loyal, full of heart, but a bit damaged. She's funny, the life and soul of the party, and makes rash decisions. I know who this girl is," Laura said. In the show, Kerry is married to Eric Pollard but has an affair with Jai Sharma, creating a "weird throuple."
Career Journey
Laura grew up in Newcastle and landed her first TV job at 14. She worked various jobs while pursuing acting, including dressing up in a department store window and working in bars. After a lull in her career, her father encouraged her to keep going, and in 2012 she joined Emmerdale. "It was an amazing part – all the stars aligned," she said.
Mark, who has two adult children from a previous marriage, has put his career on hold to care for their kids. Laura said, "I'm very grateful. He's a phenomenal dad and I couldn't be doing this job without him."
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 8pm on ITV1 or from 7am on ITVX.
