MORE PAIN FOR CAIN?

Emmerdale villain Cain Dingle’s had a terrible 2016, says Jeff Hordley – and this year could end up being even worse

Even by Cain Dingle’s low standards, 2016 was an annus horribilis. The Emmerdale bad boy learned his nephew Aaron had been abused as a child, his parents got divorced after his father cheated on his stepmother, he discovered his teenage half-sister Belle was sleeping with a married doctor, and his stepdaughter Holly died of a heroin overdose, not to mention his own marriage to Moira collapsing after his affair with old flame Charity.

No wonder Jeff Hordley, the man who’s played him since 2000, says, ‘Last year certainly ranks in the top three for bad years. And that’s saying something, given that in the past he deliberately annoyed his daughter Debbie by going with her girlfriend, tried to sleep with his own girlfriend’s daughter and once went totally off the rails after almost being bludgeoned to death by his father!’

Might 2017 bring a glimmer of happiness? ‘I hope so, but it’s Cain Dingle we’re talking about – when there are ups they’re good, but when there are downs they’re horrendous.’ The signs certainly aren’t positive. Firstly, Cain’s relationship with Moira is, according to Jeff, beyond repair. ‘The way the writers are playing it, it’s the end and I’m gutted,’ he says.

‘I loved working with Natalie J Robb, who plays Moira, and think we made a good couple. But I’m thrilled Natalie and Danny Miller [who plays Cain’s nephew Aaron] have been nominated in the National Television Awards.’

Against the backdrop of his marriage woes, Cain – who was physically abused by the man he believed was his father, Shadrach – will this week be seen struggling to cope with his son Kyle’s behaviour. He

even raises his fists to the five-yearold, which could lead to a breakdown in their relationship, too.

Jeff, 46, explains, ‘Losing Moira has unsteadied Cain and turned him back into the person he used to be, and what he does to Kyle makes Cain see shades of Shadrach in himself, which scares him.’

There’s never a dull moment for the Dingles and Jeff reckons that’s why viewers love them so much. ‘No family is perfect, so people can see themselves in the Dingles, even though

we’re ten times more dysfunctional. I remember driving down the M62 for my first day and thinking, “I can’t believe I’m going to be a Dingle.” I still get excited going on set.’

The good news for fans is that Jeff, a father- of-two who’s married to Zoe Henry – vet Rhona Goskirk in the show – has no intention of leaving Emmerdale. ‘I’m here for the long term,’ he says. ‘ I’ve no plans to go anywhere because I’m very comfortable and happy.’