From Hollyoaks Heartthrob to Devoted Family Man
Jeremy Edwards, once crowned Hollyoaks' most attractive star for his role as Kurt Benson, now leads a markedly different life from his early 2000s pin-up days. The actor, who dated S Club 7's Rachel Stevens and was part of Britain's ultimate celebrity power couple, has shifted focus entirely to his family and quieter pursuits.
A Staggering Financial Decision
During the peak of his fame, Edwards and Stevens received a staggering £2 million offer from a magazine for exclusive photos of their wedding and firstborn child. He turned it down, a decision he now reflects on with mixed feelings. "I wish I'd done it," he admitted on the Soap From the Box podcast. "I could've made a s***load of money and had a bit more privacy. I'd be living in The Bahamas or something."
Hollyoaks Anniversary Snub
Now 55, Edwards has expressed disappointment over being overlooked for Hollyoaks' 30th anniversary celebrations. He revealed he "begged" producers to include him but received no reply. "I wrote to the casting and said I wanted to go back," he told the 'Secure The Insecure' podcast. "It's a shame, though, because I really thought for the 30th, I wanted to do something special because it will always be special to me."
Family Life and New Priorities
Edwards is now a dedicated father to his two children, Scarlett, seven, and Teddy, four, with his wife Lydia Metz. His celebrity lifestyle has been replaced by school runs and family breakfasts. "I'm a husband, a dad, and my kids are my main priority," he told The Sun. "I like to be around for them as much as possible." He still encounters fans at the school gates, with mothers occasionally remarking they fancied him in his youth.
The Rachel Stevens Romance and Aftermath
Edwards' relationship with pop star Rachel Stevens captivated the nation in the early 2000s. He proposed on Valentine's Day at London's Dorchester Hotel after 18 months together, with Stevens calling herself "thrilled to pieces." The couple split in early 2004, initially citing that it "hadn't worked out." Edwards later revealed his struggle with alcohol and depression following the tragic death of his Holby City co-star Laura Sadler, which he believes affected the relationship.
In 2017, he hinted at "a lack of trust and concerns about a potential fling" contributing to the breakup. More recently, he claimed Stevens had a fling during their relationship after she began dating her Dancing On Ice partner Brendyn Hatfield shortly after her 2021 divorce. Stevens' representative has denied these allegations, calling the story "completely false."
ADHD Diagnosis and Career Pivot
Edwards was diagnosed with ADHD four years ago, which he believes impacted his ability to handle fame and his relationship with Stevens. He has since diversified his career, juggling multiple projects including teaching neurodiverse pupils at the UK Film Academy, writing books, performing, and hosting on the teleshopping channel Ideal World.
He also launched TWIST: The Way I See Things on his TikTok account @jeremytwist, where he discusses critical British issues like homelessness, mental health, inequality, and the cost-of-living crisis. This marks a significant departure from his earlier modeling and acting career, which began with appearances in prominent magazines as a teenager.
Reflecting on his past, Edwards told The Sun: "I had the best time of my life when I started out; I was going to elite showbiz parties. I was young, good-looking, and had loads of money - the money was insane - so make of that what you will." Today, his life is centered on family, teaching, and advocacy, far removed from the glitz and glamour of his Hollyoaks heyday.
