Emmerdale star Jeff Hordley, known for playing Cain Dingle, has opened up about living with Crohn's disease while his on-screen character battles prostate cancer. The 56-year-old actor was diagnosed with the chronic condition in 1996, though symptoms began when he was 20.
Jeff Hordley's Crohn's Disease Journey
Jeff was diagnosed with Crohn's disease at age 26 after doctors initially suspected irritable bowel syndrome. As symptoms persisted and worsened, he pushed for further answers. "Even though I tried to avoid foods that upset my digestive system, such as coffee and Chinese takeaways, I was still sick and tired, and I kept losing weight," he told Express.co.uk in 2009.
According to the NHS, Crohn's disease is a long-term condition where part of the gut becomes inflamed. There is currently no cure, but treatments can help manage symptoms. Jeff, a former ambassador for Crohn's & Colitis UK, now manages his condition through diet and exercise, avoiding medication. "I've managed to keep it under wraps because of diet. We eat very much seasonally; we eat from our allotment. That's how I've managed to do it and exercise," he explained on the Another Day Another Collar podcast.
Cain Dingle's Prostate Cancer Storyline
On Emmerdale, Cain Dingle recently underwent surgery for prostate cancer, which left him incontinent and isolated. On June 16, his consultant revealed that new tests suggest the cancer may have spread, requiring further treatment. Jeff revealed the storyline inspired him to get a PSA test in real life. "I'm 56 and I've been for a PSA test already because of this storyline. There's other people in the company of a similar age who've gone, 'I'm going to the doctors to get a PSA test'," he said.
Jeff Hordley's Marriage to Co-Star Zoe Henry
Jeff married Zoe Henry, who plays Rhona Goskirk on Emmerdale, in 2005 at Hedingham Castle. The couple met at drama school in 1994 and have been together ever since. Jeff proposed to Zoe after she won Best Actress at the Manchester Evening News theatre awards in 2002. They have two children, Violet Ava and Stan. Emmerdale bosses arranged their filming schedules to allow them to share childcare duties. Zoe said on Lorraine: "We often do line learning together. Jeff's been amazing. He's just taking the weight of what's going on at home."
Emmerdale airs weekdays on ITV and ITVX.
