Jonny McPherson, known for portraying Dr Liam Cavanagh on Emmerdale since 2014, has experienced a dramatic love life both on and off screen. His character has navigated numerous romances and the tragic death of his daughter Leanna, played by Mimi Slinger. In a recent episode on June 22, 2026, Liam helped locate Kev Townsend (Chris Coghill) after his son Lewis Barton (Bradley Riches) was kidnapped.
Jonny's Romance with Emmerdale Co-Star
During an Emmerdale charity trip to Lapland in 2019, Jonny McPherson and Moira Dingle actress Natalie J. Robb developed a romantic connection. They shared their first kiss in January 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic soon led to a national lockdown. The couple decided to move in together, a step Natalie later described as "too soon."
Speaking to the Mirror in November 2020, Jonny said: "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." He 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 told the Mirror at the time: "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."
Natalie and Jonny's Split
Despite navigating lockdown successfully, the couple parted ways in 2021 but remain on good terms. In 2022, Natalie candidly discussed the breakup with The Sun, saying: "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."
Jonny's 'Wonderful' Girlfriend
After the split, Jonny returned to his houseboat, a traditional English narrowboat where he had lived intermittently for about four years. On Lorraine, he described it as having "everything you need" despite being only seven feet wide, adding, "I can barely stick my arms out!"
In 2023, Jonny confirmed he was in a new relationship with a "wonderful" woman. He told OK! Magazine: "I am with someone. She is absolutely wonderful. We've been together for a couple of years. I am really happy."
Emmerdale airs Monday to Friday at 8:00pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
