Emmerdale actor Jeff Hordley won the best serial drama performance award at the 2026 National Television Awards, using his acceptance speech at The O2 in London to thank his co-star, according to event coverage. Hordley, who plays Cain Dingle on the ITV soap, dedicated his win in part to an ongoing prostate cancer storyline.
Emmerdale Star Jeff Hordley Wins Serial Drama Performance at 2026 NTAs
Jeff Hordley claimed the serial drama performance trophy at the 2026 National Television Awards held at The O2 in London on Tuesday evening, according to reports from the ceremony. Taking to the stage, the actor expressed his gratitude to viewers.
“Thank you to everybody who’s voted for me tonight, it means a lot, it takes my breath away,” Hordley said during his speech, as reported by event coverage. He is best known for portraying Cain Dingle on the long-running ITV soap opera.
Cain Dingle’s Prostate Cancer Storyline and Family Tributes
During his acceptance speech, Hordley addressed the heavy emotional weight of his character’s recent scripts. According to the actor, the plot has provided a significant personal learning curve.
“It’s been an honour and a huge educational journey for me with this prostate cancer storyline,” Hordley stated on stage. He also acknowledged his father-in-law Graham, praising his “bravery.”
Back in January, show executives on Emmerdale originally verified that the prostate cancer diagnosis given to Cain would serve as a major plot arc on the ITV soap throughout the year. Speaking backstage in the winner’s room after the ceremony, Hordley elaborated on the toll the grueling schedule took.
“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,” Hordley said backstage. “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.”
Praise for Onscreen and Real-Life Partners
Hordley used his time on stage and in the winner’s room to thank the key figures supporting him both professionally and personally, according to ceremony reports.
Turning to face his onscreen wife Moira—portrayed by Natalie J. Robb, who presented him with the award—Hordley offered warm praise.
“I want to thank my wing woman, Natalie J. Robb, who makes acting a breeze, every day is a joy working with you,” Hordley said from the stage. Backstage, he reiterated those sentiments, noting, “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.”
Addressing the audience, the soap star then spoke directly to his real-life wife, Zoe Henry, who plays Rhona Goskirk in Emmerdale. “And, thank you to my real wife, my rock, my soulmate, I am so lucky,” he gushed.
He concluded his acknowledgments by 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,” Hordley added.
Category Competitors and Wider NTA Results
Jeff was the only Emmerdale star up for the serial drama performance award this year. The category additionally featured Coronation Street stars Sue Devaney and Gareth Pierce, alongside EastEnders actors Paul Bradley and Aaron Thiara.
Other winners at the London ceremony included Gogglebox, which took home the award for best factual entertainment show, and Michael McIntyre’s Big Show, which won The Bruce Forsyth Entertainment Award.
Did You Know?
Jeff Hordley plays Cain Dingle in the ITV soap, and Zoe Henry plays Rhona Goskirk in Emmerdale.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did Jeff Hordley thank in his 2026 NTA acceptance speech?
According to ceremony reports, Hordley thanked voters, his father-in-law Graham, his onscreen wife Natalie J. Robb, his real-life wife Zoe Henry, and his children Sandy and Violet.
What Emmerdale storyline did Jeff Hordley win the award for?
Hordley won the award for best serial drama performance at this year’s ceremony for his work on Cain Dingle’s prostate cancer storyline, which Emmerdale bosses confirmed back in January.
Who were the other nominees in the serial drama performance category?
According to award listings, competing nominees included EastEnders actors Aaron Thiara and Paul Bradley, and Coronation Street stars Gareth Pierce and Sue Devaney.
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