Jeremy Edwards kickstarted his professional journey as a teenage model, gracing the pages of prominent magazines, before solidifying his status as the ultimate heartthrob of the 2000s.
Recognized as Hollyoaks’ “most fanciable star” for his role as Kurt Benson, Jeremy’s innate charm propelled him to the forefront of the celebrity scene. His high-profile relationships, notably his union with S Club 7’s Rachel Stevens, captivated the public and led to a lucrative offer for their wedding photos.
However, as of February 2026, Jeremy, now 55, is deeply invested in his role as a devoted father to his two children, Scarlett, seven, and Teddy, four. Apart from his family commitments alongside his wife Lydia Metz, the actor expressed feeling neglected by Hollyoaks producers despite his pleas to participate in the show’s 30th-anniversary celebrations.
Describing his eagerness to join the milestone event, Jeremy disclosed on ‘Secure The Insecure’ podcast last Spring that his request to return for the 30th anniversary went unanswered due to the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 situation.
Reflecting on his earlier celebrity days, Jeremy reminisced to The Sun about the glamour and extravagance of his youth, attending elite showbiz gatherings and enjoying financial success beyond imagination.
Transitioning to a more grounded phase of life, Jeremy emphasized his role as a husband and father, prioritizing quality time with his children over past glitz and glamour. Despite the shift in focus, he humorously noted that he still encounters admirers from his past at the school gates.
Jeremy’s rise to fame extended beyond television, particularly through his partnership with chart-topping singer Rachel, establishing them as Britain’s premier celebrity couple during the early 2000s.
Their fairytale romance culminated in a romantic proposal on Valentine’s Day at the Dorchester Hotel, capturing the hearts of fans. However, the picture-perfect relationship eventually ended in 2004, with undisclosed personal struggles affecting their bond.
In the aftermath of the breakup, Jeremy faced personal challenges, including the tragic loss of his Holby City co-star Laura Sadler. Coping with grief, Jeremy turned to alcohol and experienced a period of profound sadness, impacting his relationship with Rachel.
Although their split was initially described as amicable, Jeremy later hinted at underlying issues of trust and suspicions that influenced their separation in 2017.
In contrast, Rachel moved on to marry her childhood sweetheart before subsequent relationships, including one with her Dancing On Ice partner Brendyn Hatfield, sparking controversy and denials of infidelity.
Addressing recent speculation in the media, Jeremy expressed doubts about the past relationship, suggesting a possible fling on Rachel’s part, a claim vehemently refuted by Rachel and her representatives.
Following the breakup with Rachel, Jeremy found love with his wife Lydia, reflecting on how his ADHD diagnosis impacted his previous relationships and celebrity lifestyle. Currently, Jeremy balances multiple projects, including teaching neurodiverse students, writing, performing, and hosting on Ideal World.
Moreover, he launched a thought-provoking series called TWIST: The Way I See Things on his TikTok account, delving into critical societal issues like homelessness, mental health, and economic challenges faced by Britons.