Emmerdale's Dr Liam Cavanagh has certainly had no shortage of romantic entanglements in the village — but what do we know about actor Jonny McPherson's real-life love life? Jonny joined the cast back in 2014, taking on the role of the much-loved village doctor, Liam. Since then, he has firmly established himself as a viewer favourite and has featured prominently in several major storylines. From his numerous relationships to the devastating loss of his daughter Leanna (Mimi Slinger), Liam's time in the Dales has been anything but uneventful.
Most recently, in Monday's episode (June 22), he helped track down Kev Townsend (Chris Coghill) after his son Lewis Barton (Bradley Riches) was abducted. Away from the soap, Jonny's personal life has frequently grabbed headlines over the years. But which Emmerdale co-star did he romance? And what has he revealed about his 'wonderful' girlfriend? Here's everything you need to know about Jonny's love life.
In 2019, during an Emmerdale charity trip to Lapland, Jonny McPherson and Moira Dingle actress Natalie J. Robb began developing feelings for one another, with the pair sharing a kiss in January 2020. However, that very same year, the nation entered lockdown due to Covid-19, prompting the newly formed couple to move in together — a decision Natalie later described as "too soon". Speaking about the early stages of their relationship with the Mirror in November 2020, Jonny disclosed: "We had to make a decision as lots of couples did. We decided to move in together and so, yes, lockdown did fast forward our relationship."
Jonny added: "We get on so well. We come from quite different backgrounds but we are essentially the same person. We are both a pair of big kids. We have exactly the same stupid humour." A source at the time told The Mirror: "Natalie has had her fair share of romps as Moira but this time she's found love off screen. Everyone is so happy for them. Lockdown gave them some quality time together and they couldn't be happier. It's still early days but Natalie can't stop smiling."
Despite Natalie and Jonny navigating lockdown with "flying colours", the couple parted ways in 2021. Nevertheless, they are understood to have remained friends. In 2022, Natalie spoke candidly about the breakdown of her relationship with Jonny. She told The Sun: "Unfortunately, it was Covid times, so there was this added pressure.
"He moved in with me during the first lockdown and it was just too intense, too soon. And if you're not used to that, which I hadn't been for a while, we realised pretty quickly that we were better off as friends."
Shortly after their separation, Jonny returned to his houseboat, which had been his on-and-off residence for approximately four years. Speaking candidly about his living situation to Lorraine, Jonny explained: "[You've got] everything you need. It's seven feet wide, a traditional English narrowboat. So I can barely stick my arms out! It's got a seven-foot cabin height, so I can just about get on my tip-toes."
In 2023, Jonny revealed he had found love again with a "wonderful" new partner following his break up with Natalie. Speaking about his new girlfriend, Jonny told OK! Magazine: "I am with someone. She is absolutely wonderful. We've been together for a couple of years. I am really happy."
