Emmerdale's Cain Dingle actor looks unrecognisable in unearthed Corrie role

Jeff Hordley playing Cain Dingle in Emmerdale
-Credit: (Image: ITV)


Emmerdale enthusiasts were left gobsmacked after a throwback photo of Jeff Hordley in Coronation Street surfaced on social media. Best known for his iconic role as Cain Dingle in Emmerdale since 2000, Jeff actually had stints on the cobbles of Corrie prior to settling into village life.

The actor, now 54, graced the Weatherfield set not once but twice first as a nightclub manager in May 1997 and later as a character named Wayne in November 1998.

The vintage image that popped up on Reddit shows Jeff clad in a smart grey turtleneck and blazer combo, with Corrie's Mike Baldwin (played by Johnny Briggs) lurking in the background.

Fans on Reddit have been expressing their surprise, with one commenting: "Well, I didn't know that! Wasn't watching either Corrie or Emmerdale then. That's a very good photo of Jeff Hordley."

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Another shared their disbelief: "I was watching Corrie then, but I have no recollection at all that JH was in it."

Others remarked on how little Jeff has aged, with one fan noting: "He hasn't changed," and another recalling his pre-Emmerdale days: "Cain Dingle from Emmerdale. I believe this was around in mid or late 1990s before he went to Emmerdale and also he was a music teacher too."

Jeff's journey with Emmerdale began in 2000, and despite a break from 2006 to pursue different opportunities, he made a comeback to the show in 2009 and has been a fixture ever since, reports the Mirror.

Cain has been at the heart of numerous major storylines over the years, particularly given the Dingles' knack for finding themselves in village drama. His narrative arcs include finding out that his 'uncle' Zak is actually his father, realising he is Debbie's father, his relationship with cousin Charity Dingle and being the victim in a whodunnit plot twist.

At present, Cain's marriage to Moira Dingle (Natalie J Robb) is the focal point of the soap, as the pair grapple with their relationship. Moira's erratic behaviour over recent weeks has left Cain concerned but increasingly frustrated due to her refusal to seek medical help.

Moira has now discovered she has a brain tumour, which has been causing her seizures and unusual behaviour. Doctors disclosed that it was located inside her skull and near the left temporal lobe, necessitating surgical removal.

She was informed that this type of tumour is typically non-malignant, suggesting it is unlikely to be cancerous.