Veteran actor Jeff Hordley, best known for his portrayal of bad boy Cain Dingle on ITV’s Emmerdale, is celebrating a major milestone this year — 25 years on the beloved British soap. Since making his debut in 2000, Jeff has become a fixture in the fictional Yorkshire village, captivating audiences with Cain’s brooding presence, unpredictable temper, and fiercely loyal heart.
Now 55, Jeff’s time on Emmerdale hasn’t been without twists and turns — both on screen and off. In a recently unearthed 2022 interview with Eastieoaks.com, the actor looked back on one of his most dramatic moments: his exit from the soap in 2006 and his eventual return in 2009. The storyline, involving betrayal, blackmail, and a high-stakes getaway, remains one of the most memorable exits in the show’s long history.
A Villainous Departure: Cain and Sadie’s High-Stakes Plot
Jeff Hordley’s initial six-year run as Cain Dingle came to an explosive halt in 2006, when his character became embroiled in a devious scheme with Emmerdale newcomer Sadie King, played by actress and singer Patsy Kensit. Their onscreen partnership was electric — volatile, chaotic, and driven by mutual ambition and manipulation.
The pair’s storyline culminated in a plan to kidnap Tom King, Sadie’s father-in-law, and demand a £5 million ransom. Their alliance was one of convenience and self-interest, with Cain always watching his back. As Jeff recalled:
“We double-crossed the Kings and got millions of pounds from them and then we were to fly off in an aeroplane and steal the money. But right at the end, Cain double-crosses Sadie and pushes her out of the plane and just flies off.”
It was a scene worthy of a Hollywood thriller. Sadie, betrayed and furious, was left speeding away in a BMW with her life in tatters, while Cain vanished into the clouds with £2 million in cash.
For Jeff, the experience of filming those aerial shots was a highlight of his career.
“We had to do shots of me in the plane and on the ground and flying over the Dingles,” he said. “To have done six years in this brilliant show and to get to see this beautiful countryside that I’ve been working on from an aerial view was the best way to finish my first six years on Emmerdale.”
Return of the Dingle
Fans didn’t have to wait forever for Cain’s return. In 2009, Jeff reprised his iconic role, and the character came back more layered than ever. Cain wasn’t just a reckless villain anymore — he was now a deeply flawed anti-hero with a complex emotional core.
In the years since, Jeff has continued to evolve the role, portraying Cain as a fierce protector of his family, a troubled husband to Moira (Natalie J Robb), and a father figure battling with his darker impulses. His performances have earned him praise from fans and critics alike, and he remains one of the soap’s most popular and enduring characters.
Real-Life Romance and Offscreen Roots
Jeff’s journey on Emmerdale has also been shaped by his real-life relationship with fellow cast member Zoe Henry, who plays Rhona Goskirk. The two actors, who met at drama school, have been married for years and share two children.
Their ability to maintain a strong personal relationship while juggling the demands of soap stardom is impressive — and fans have long appreciated the rare glimpse into their lives off-camera.
A New Chapter: Explosive 2024 Storylines
Fast-forward to 2024, and Cain Dingle is once again at the center of Emmerdale’s most explosive drama.
This week’s episodes have seen Cain reeling from a bombshell revelation regarding the death of Nate Robinson (Jurell Carter). In a moment that left viewers stunned, DS Walsh informed Cain and Tracy Shankley (Amy Walsh) that Owen Michaels (Simon Haines) had confessed to the killing.
The news sent shockwaves through the village — and understandably left Cain devastated. Nate was more than just a relative; he was part of Cain’s extended family and someone he had grown to care about deeply.
But viewers know the truth: Owen is not Nate’s killer.
In a shocking twist last Friday, John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth) was seen standing over Owen’s unconscious body, raising new suspicions about John’s role in the unfolding mystery.
As tension mounts, Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley) is growing increasingly suspicious of his estranged brother. Next week, he launches his own investigation, convinced that John is not the innocent outsider he claims to be.
The tangled web of lies, grief, and deception is setting the stage for what may be Cain’s most emotional — and dangerous — storyline yet.
A Legacy Cemented
After 25 years in the Dales, Jeff Hordley has more than earned his place in Emmerdale history. From kidnapping plots and car chases to moments of quiet vulnerability and raw emotion, Cain Dingle has been a cornerstone of the soap’s success — and Jeff’s commitment to the role is a testament to his talent.
As new mysteries unravel and old demons resurface, one thing is certain: Cain Dingle isn’t done yet. And if the past two and a half decades have taught us anything, it’s that whenever Cain is pushed to the edge, he always comes back stronger — and more dangerous — than ever.
Here’s to Jeff Hordley’s unforgettable 25 years on Emmerdale, and to whatever chaos Cain Dingle brings next.