Only Fools and Horses

Emmerdale star who is engaged to co-star of an Only Fools and Horses legend and related to an EastEnders actress

There are so many real life connections between actors working on popular British soaps

The soap world is full of memorable characters who slowly make their way into our lives and TV sets over the years. These unforgettable soap actors also tend to plunge into each other’s love lives as well, with some even going on to become lifelong partners.

This then means that everyone in soapland’s small dating pool turns out to be a relative of someone from another soap. This certainly seems to be the case with Emmerdale actress, Chelsea Halfpenny who found love with James Baxter from Still Open All Hours, where he’s been acting alongside Only Fools and Horses legend David Jason.

There’s even more to the Halfpenny soapstar family tree as the Emmerdale star’s sister Jill Halfpenny also appeared on EastEnders as Kate Mitchell. Jill has made quite a name for herself much like her sibling as she starred in Byker Grove as Nicola Dobson back when Ant and Dec knew nothing of their futures.

Only Fools and Horses - Sir David Jason is now 81
Sir David Jason is now 81 (Image: BBC)

The Newcastle born actress then went on to play Rebecca Hopkins on Coronation Street until 2000. Once Jill finished her stint, she then added herself to the list of the hard nosed Phil Mitchell’s wives and played Kate for three years.

Jill Halfpenny took on the role of Kate in EastEnders, pictured with a young looking Phil Mitchell
Jill Halfpenny took on the role of Kate in EastEnders, pictured with a young looking Phil Mitchell (Image: BBC)

As for Chelsea on the rival soap Emmerdale she took on the role of Amy Wyatt, which is she arguably most famous for. In 2015 she joined the cast of Casualty in the role of Alicia Munroe, a Year 1 foundation officer doctor.

She initially signed up for eight episodes and left in November 2015 but she returned in July 2016 and remained as a regular on the show until January 2019. Last July, the starlet posted an Instagram snap of her and fiancé James Baxter announcing their engagement with a glass of bubbly in tow.

The pair both appeared on Emmerdale during their careers so it’s unsurprising that in the world of soaps they ended up together. James played the role of Jake Donald in Emmerdale between 2007 and 2009. Chelsea has most recently starred in West End show Waitress playing Jenna.

The Sunderland born actor starred alongside Peckham’s own Del Boy Trotter in Still Open All Hours on the BBC as Leroy from 2013 to 2019 in a series of Christmas episodes. You have to keep an eye on these soaps, you never know who will end up with who.

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