Emmerdale actors Laura Norton and Mark Jordon opened up about their kids’ Ushers Syndrome diagnosis while on morning TV.
Laura, who has played Kerry Wyatt on the ITV soap since July 2012, got engaged to Daz Spencer actor Mark in 2018 after meeting on the show.
They welcomed their son, Jesse, in 2021, and he was soon joined by his little sister Ronnie in October 2022.
Last month, the couple revealed the troubling diagnosis in an interview and have since been incredibly candid about the issues it has posed for the family.
While appearing on Loose Women on Monday, with panellists Ruth Langsford, Coleen Nolan, Janet Street-Porter, and Brenda Edwards, Laura and Mark admitted to not knowing how to tell the kids.
When Coleen asked what the condition means, Laura said: “It is a condition, a very rare condition that affects hearing, vision and balance
Mark added: “There are three different categories in that, but nothing is exact so each individual could have something that would differ from the next. There is no time zone.”
He continued to explain that it’s not known when someone diagnosed with the syndrome would start losing sight, for instance, which undoubtedly makes it even more stressful.
They further admitted to struggling with the balance between their private lives and their personal ones as they found it difficult to find the best way to tell the kids.
Reflecting on the experience, Mark said that writing a letter was “good” and the “right thing to do” to balance publicity and their privacy.
Fans have been reacting to the poignant story on social media, with many applauding the couple for their resilience.
One person said: “I'm sure my followers definitely all regularly watch Loose Women, but there's a feature on there today to do with the disability my sister has. Laura Norton and Mark Jordon, who act on Emmerdale, have a little one with the same condition. Good on them spreading #usherawareness.”
“@loosewomen #LooseWomen Oh my goodness, listening to Laura Norton & Mark Jordon talking about their 2 children who have #UsherSyndrome. What incredible parents and what beautiful children. Sending love & strength to them all and Well done for raising awareness xx,” another wrote.
A third shared a personal story: “I taught a little girl in Reception just after she was diagnosed with usher syndrome. Fast forward and she is now 30, went to University and graduated with a first class degree despite all the challenges. So proud of her.”
Laura and Mark revealed the diagnosis last month while chatting with HELLO, where they said: "My intuition told me there was a serious problem and I was in tears at the thought of it.
"Knowing that we'd passed this on to our son was heartbreaking."
“We've agonised about doing this before we've even told our children about their condition… we're going to write them a letter to explain why we did this and show then when they're old enough to understand,” Mark added.
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