Emmerdale star Jeff Hordley praised his co-star and real-life wife Zoe Henry as he took to the stage at the 2026 National Television Awards on Tuesday evening.
Jeff, who plays Cain Dingle in the ITV soap, won the award for best serial drama performance at this year’s ceremony and wasted no time in thanking his wife – who plays Rhona Goskirk in Emmerdale.
As he took to the stage at The O2 in London, Jeff began his speech by saying: “Thank you to everybody who’s voted for me tonight, it means a lot, it takes my breath away.
“It’s been an honour and a huge educational journey for me with this prostate cancer storyline,” the soap star continued, before giving a shout out to his father-in-law Graham and his “bravery”.
Turning to face his co-star Natalie J. Robb, who plays his onscreen wife Moira and presented him with the award, Jeff then said: “I want to thank my wing woman, Natalie J. Robb, who makes acting a breeze, every day is a joy working with you.”
And then looking out into the audience, he gushed: “And, thank you to my real wife, my rock, my soulmate, I am so lucky,” before thanking his children Sandy and Violet.
“You are my world and I am so thankful and grateful to you for putting up with Cain Dingle every day,” he added.
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And once he was backstage in the winner’s room, Jeff continued to praise his costar Natalie as he spoke about what it’s been like filming such a difficult storyline.
“It’s been emotional with the storyline to be honest, but I’m thrilled that we’ve got that to the front and it’s wonderful to have this,” he said of his award.
“I’m glad I’m through the really exhausting, punishing schedule, but the cancer storyline hasn’t stopped and we’ve still got lots more to do,” he continued.
“So I’ve had a little bit of a break, a few holidays, and recharged my batteries, but it’s been joyous because I’ve been working with my wing woman Natalie J. Robb, and I just feel so lucky to have her.”
ITV
Emmerdale bosses confirmed back in January that Cain’s prostate cancer diagnosis would be a major storyline on the ITV soap this year.
Jeff was the only Emmerdale star up for the serial drama performance award this year. Also in the category were EastEnders actors Aaron Thiara and Paul Bradley, and Coronation Street stars Gareth Pierce and Sue Devaney.
Elsewhere at the NTAs, Gogglebox took home the award for best factual entertainment show, and Michael McIntyre’s Big Show won The Bruce Forsyth Entertainment Award.
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