Emmerdale Stars Laura Norton and Mark Jordon Open Up About Children’s Rare Diagnosis
ITV Emmerdale stars Laura Norton and Mark Jordon have shared the heartbreaking news that their children have been diagnosed with a rare genetic condition, Usher syndrome. The couple, known for their roles as Kerry Wyatt and Daz Spencer in the popular soap, revealed how the condition has impacted their family life and how they’re coping with the challenges.
Usher syndrome affects both hearing and vision, causing deafness or hearing loss and an eye disease called retinitis pigmentosa (RP), which can lead to gradual vision loss. In some cases, it may also cause balance issues. While there is no cure for the syndrome, treatments are available to help manage the symptoms.
Speaking about the diagnosis, Laura said, “We’re loath to start thinking too hard about what we will have to do in the future – ‘What kind of furniture will we have to move? What extra help will they need?’ – until it gets closer to the time because we’ve got about a decade until we need to think about it actively.” She continued, “You make the decision not to preempt it too much because if it’s in our psyche, it becomes in their psyche, and at the moment, we just want to enjoy them and have them be fearless.”
Both of their children currently have 20/20 vision and attend regular ophthalmology appointments, reports the Express. Despite the potential challenges ahead, the couple remains hopeful for their children’s future. “Mark describes it sometimes like a ticking clock, every second counts,” said Laura. “You do hope everything’s going to be OK, but we’ve met so many people with the condition who are absolutely smashing life. They’re not people who are debilitated. They live life, have careers and families, and do the same things as everybody else.”
Laura and Mark have a message of support for other parents in similar situations, saying, “We want other parents in the same position not to worry. There is lots of help and support out there. Our children love life and have lots of friends. They are amazing.”
The couple met on the Emmerdale set in 2014, and after beginning their relationship in 2015, Mark proposed on New Year’s Day in 2019. They welcomed their son, Jesse, in January 2021 and their daughter, Ronnie, in October 2022. Despite the challenges, the family remains strong and positive about the future.