Emmerdale fans have been taken aback to learn of star Jeff Hordley's real age as he celebrates his birthday.
The actor has played Cain Dingle in the fictional Yorkshire village for 22 years. During that time he has been at the centre of many dramatic storylines, including discovering his "uncle" Zak Dingle is actually his father, and a feud with Al Chapman that led to his son Kyle shooting Al dead.
In his many years on the show, Cain has become a huge favourite with soap fans.
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But despite being so popular, it seems many fans didn't know how old actor Jeff is, after one viewer took to a Facebook group for lovers of Emmerdale and revealed his age.
The woman shared a photo of Jeff, as Cain, and said: "Happy 53rd birthday to this fine man! Many happy returns sir". Other Facebook users rushed to wish Jeff well, with many commenting on his age.
One said: "53 never looked so good", while a second said: "You must mean 43 surely?" A third said: "Happy birthday Jeff! Thought he was younger I must admit".
A fourth said: "Happy birthday Jeff, I remember when he first came to the village. Makes me feel old!"
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