Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Leeds Live
Leeds Live
Entertainment
Megan Shaw

Where is Emmerdale's Terry Woods actor Billy Hartman now? TV career, marriage collapse and life since the soap

Emmerdale legend Billy Hartman is best known for his role as Terry Woods in the long running ITV soap, having made his first appearance in the Dales in February 1995.

He was one of the longest-serving characters in the show before he was killed off alongside Viv Hope (Deena Payne) in early 2011, after 16 years. He died on January 13th after attempting to rescue Viv from the burning post office.

During his time in the Dales Billy was part of some huge storylines including his affair with Viv Windsor, a stroke and his turbulent relationship with Dawn Hope and was a huge favourite amongst fans.

READ MORE: Emmerdale legends Chris Chittell and Lesley Dunlop spotted at Great Yorkshire Show

But what happened to actor Billy Hartman after leaving the soap and what is he doing now?

What is actor Billy Hartman doing now?

Following his time on Emmerdale, in 2013 Billy played the role of Graham O'Reilly in Casualty and more recently he had a small role in Keeping Faith in 2019.

In 2015 he starred in Gypsy at The Savoy Theatre, and in 2019 drama TV drama Keeping Faith.

Billy Hartman's love life

On-screen Terry's love life was turbulent to say the least and it seems his personal life away from the camera's is not too dissimilar.

Actor Billy Hartman has suffered a real-life heartache after splitting with his glamorous wife, Karen Hartley, their seven-year marriage hit the rocks when Scots-born Billy signed a new contract with the soap.

The pair fell out over Karen's demands to start a family, the freelance make-up artist was hoping Billy would quit the show and make a fresh start with her by moving into a luxury home they had bought in London, the former model had already planned a nursery for the baby she longed to have.

However, the show's gruelling schedule meant Billy spent most nights at his flat in Leeds, so he could be close to where the programme is filmed.

An insider revealed at the time: "Karen is devastated because she really thought that this new house would be a fresh start for her and Billy.

"They had discussed the redecoration together but Karen has had to put that on hold because she can't afford to do it on her own.

"She'd even planned the colour scheme in the nursery for the baby she was so desperate to have. She has been in tears all week while moving in her belongings. Karen was so excited about their future together. It's so sad that it has ended this way."

The Hartmans released a joint statement about the collapse of their marriage at the time, it read: "We are both extremely sad but we wish everyone to know that we remain very good friends. Other than that, we believe this is a private matter."

It is not known with Billy ever re-married, the actor does not have any children.

Read Next:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.