Jonny McPherson made his first Emmerdale back in 2014 and since then it is fair to say his character Dr Liam Cavanagh has been through the mill.
Dr Cavanagh has gone on to become a major character since 2018 and has been involved in some high-profile storylines. From the murder of Liam’s daughter, Leanna, two years ago by psychopath Meena Jutla, to his subsequent depression and mental health battles.
Jonny, 41, admits it has been tough at times not to bring the hard-hitting storylines home with him. But now in a lighter turn, Liam is embarking on a passionate affair with nurse Wendy Posner, and Johnny says his home life is far more settled, reports OK!
Read More: Soap expert spills the beans on Emmerdale's upcoming 'frisky' village affairs
Jonny said: “I actually only expected to ever be in Emmerdale for three months when I first joined. Every time I sign a new contract, I am delighted.
“Over the next few weeks there’s going to be a lot of campness going on with Liam. He has started submitting stories to Murder Most Murky and when Wendy realises it’s him, she starts talking about racy stuff that gets him fired up. It ignites him and you soon see him walking past an empty champagne bottle and her on the surgical table under a mac!
“It’s been great fun to play out and we’ve had a lot of laughter filming the scenes. At the same time, you don’t want to lose the sparkle if you are too aware of the campness of the scenes, so it’s about getting it all right.”
Reflecting on the roller-coaster of emotions his alter ego Liam has experienced over the years, Jonny admits it’s a relief to finally not have to reach for a tear stick – a device that actors use in emotional scenes – every time he films. He said: “People say, ‘Oh, I never take work home with me,’ but you can’t help it.
“With the whole Leanna storyline, it felt like coming home from a funeral every day. I must have got through about 10 tear sticks, but if you’re going to do it properly then you have to go through it all.”
Scriptwriters are keeping Jonny in the dark about whether Liam and Wendy’s affair could develop into a long-lasting relationship. However in real life, enjoying secret steamy passion with another person’s partner is definitely not on the agenda.
“I am with someone,” he said. “She is absolutely wonderful. We’ve been together for a couple of years. I am really happy.”
Jonny has also bought himself a new flat in Leeds after spending several years living on a canal boat. He said: "Acting is a precarious profession.
“It can be very difficult to get a mortgage if you are only working for six months of the year. So, when you get two years of working on something like Emmerdale, it allows you to get a mortgage finally. I’ve got a flat now in Leeds and I’ve sold my boat.
“I did put it on Airbnb for 18 months before I sold it, and it really took off. After a while, though, it began to get more difficult to manage. I was having to check in guests at 10pm on a Friday evening on top of my full-time role in Emmerdale and I decided to sell.
“A few people got very giddy standing on Dr Liam’s boat. But others didn’t realise at all. I will go travelling on a canal boat again one day, but I certainly don’t miss emptying the poo tank twice a week any more!”
Emmerdale airs every weekday at 7.30pm on ITV1. You can also watch all the episodes on ITVX.
As ever, we'll continue to bring you the big Emmerdale news about what is happening in the village and away from it. You can visit our Emmerdale homepage to find the latest gossip about the soap and its stars.
Read Next:
