Hollyoaks

Hollyoaks star quits film career after earning £2m

Despite making an 'insane amount of money' fame eventually sent him over the edge

JEREMY Edwards first launched his career as a teenage pin-up model for popular magazines like Mizz and More, before becoming the ultimate heartthrob of the Noughties.

Voted Hollyoaks’ sexiest star – for playing Kurt Benson on the hit Channel 4 soap – his smouldering looks and undeniable charisma catapulted him into the limelight.

Headshot of Jeremy Edwards at the ITV Palooza.
Jeremy Edwards has spoken exclusively to FabulousCredit: Getty
Black and white photo of two shirtless lifeguards standing by a lifeguard truck on a beach.
He starred in Hollyoaks and Kurt Benson (left) alongside Will Mellor as Jambo Bolton (right)Credit: Alamy
Photo of Rachel Stevens and Jeremy Edwards at a movie premiere.
Jeremy and Rachel Stevens were the ‘it’ couple of the noughtiesCredit: PA:Press Association

He also made headlines for his high-profile relationships, particularly with S Club 7 singer Rachel Stevens.

But life now couldn’t be more different for the 52-year-old, who prefers being a hands-on dad to his two children, Scarlett, seven, and Teddy, four, whom he shares with his wife, Lydia Metz.

“I had the best time of my life when I started out; I was going to elite showbiz parties,” Jeremy reflects.

“I was young, good-looking, and had loads of money – the money was insane – so make of that what you will.

“Nowadays it’d be DMs, but back then the ladies weren’t afraid to let you know if they fancied you.

“I got all sorts of propositions, as you can imagine, at nightclubs. They weren’t shy.

“But now things are different. I’m a husband, a dad, and my kids are my main priority.

“I like to be around for them as much as possible – having breakfast together and doing the school run.

“Although, I do still hear mums at the school gates saying, ‘Yeah, I fancied him when I was younger.’”

Jeremy’s rise to fame wasn’t just limited to the screen.

His and hit singer Rachel’s romance captivated the nation, earning them the title of Britain’s number one celebrity couple – outshining even Posh and Becks.

In the early Noughties, Jeremy Edwards and Rachel were the golden couple of the celebrity world.

Their whirlwind romance was the stuff of fairytales, with Jeremy proposing to Rachel on Valentine’s Day at London’s Dorchester Hotel after just 18 months of dating.

“We had a wonderful relationship and were absolutely head over heels in love,” Jeremy recalls.

Million pound offer

“I adored that girl; she was amazing. We were very good for each other, but there was just too much pressure.

“We were offered £2 million for our wedding to appear in a magazine, and I turned it down.

“We actually knew each other before Hollyoaks and S Club 7 because we were both from Barnet in North London.

“I was a teen pin-up, and she was mates with another model friend of mine – so she was the younger sister’s friend.

Kenzie and Jeremy Edwards in a sauna.
Kenzie and Jeremy Edwards in a sauna for Celebrity Big BrotherCredit: Rex
Headshot of Jeremy Edwards.
Hollyoaks Jeremy Edwards reveals has revealed his surprising change of careerCredit: @Jeremy Edwards
Jeremy Edwards, Hollyoaks cast member, 1995.
He was a popular pin-up model for the ninetiesCredit: Rex

“When we became famous, we bumped into each other at a party, got chatting, and the rest is history.”

However, after three years together and one year engaged, the pair decided to part ways – and eight months later he met his current wife Lydia.

“We walked away very much in love, and there was no third party involved,” Jeremy explains.

“Our relationship was in the public eye massively, and I simply couldn’t handle the fame – it didn’t suit me.

“We had a lot of money between us and were house hunting, but our decisions started clashing. I think the level of fame we were both experiencing just contributed to the breakup.”

Looking back, Jeremy now believes his ADHD, which he was diagnosed with four years ago, played a role in the breakup and his ability to manage the pressures of fame.

“In hindsight, I realise my ADHD brain was struggling – the anxiety it caused me was off the charts, which led to excessive drinking,” he admits.

“I like being successful, but back then I didn’t like being famous.

“Back then I also never stayed in the same job for more than four or five years.

“I enjoy doing all my jobs and keeping busy, but at the time of my life I didn’t like pressure and there’s nothing wrong with having a ‘normal job.’

“I didn’t like the attention from the cameras or being followed. Fame sent me over the edge, and that’s sad.”

Rachel Stevens and Jeremy Edwards at the Palace Theatre.
Jeremy and Rachel were engaged for a yearCredit: Rex
Jeremy Edwards, actor in Holby City.
Jeremy was voted Hollyoaks sexiest starCredit: Alamy
Jeremy Edwards, TV presenter, sitting on a large cupcake prop.
The actor first launched his career as a teenage pin-up model for popular magazinesCredit: Rex

Today, Jeremy juggles four businesses, including teaching neurodiverse students at the UK Film Academy, book writing, acting, and presenting on the teleshopping channel Ideal World.

He’s also launched, TWIST: The Way I See Things on his TikTok page @jeremytwist, which explores pressing issues in Britain, from homelessness and mental health to inequality and the cost-of-living crisis.

“I’ve written novels and children’s books. I love my teaching job, but I’m also about to perform in a play in Greenwich starting in May,” he says.

“I haven’t given up acting. I have a new agent and now my family is complete I am raring to go again. But it’s Hollyoaks’ 30th anniversary this year, and I wouldn’t mind coming back for that.

“I love my projects and staying busy, but most importantly, I want to be around for my kids and watch them grow up.

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