ITV Emmerdale star Jonathan Wrather shares heartbreak over his father's 'cruel' diagnosis

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Emmerdale actor Jonathan Wrather has spoken out in a new honest interview

Emmerdale and Coronation Street actor Jonathan Wrather has spoken out about his late father’s battle with a ‘cruel’ illness.
The 56-year-old star opened up about his father Bill’s six-year struggle with motor neurone disease (MND), during which his condition gradually worsened until he became bedridden and lost the ability to communicate.
Tragically, Bill—one of around 5,000 people in the UK living with MND at any time—passed away in December 2023 at the age of 84.
Speaking to The Mirror, Jonathan said: “MND is a cruel disease; it destroys everything, even the unseen muscles used for breathing and speaking.” He continued: “MND is like cancer—it’s indiscriminate.”

Reflecting on their final drive together in one of his father’s cherished vintage cars, Jonathan remembered how, after a picnic in Macclesfield Forest, his dad began to lose strength in one arm and hand.
Jonathan shared: “He was still driving at that stage, and I probably shouldn’t admit this, but I remember having to change the gears while he worked the clutch—he couldn’t fully use his arm anymore!”

He added: “It’s a treasured memory of our last drive, racing along the country lanes, but it was also the moment I realised how much the disease had progressed.”

Jonathan is best known for his role as Pierce Harris in Emmerdale from 2016 to 2017, returning briefly in 2020. He also portrayed Joe Carter in Coronation Street from 2002 to 2003.

The actor is now channeling his work to raise awareness of MND and will be appearing on Saturday at the Rye Arts Festival alongside Sally Bayly in Licensed to Thrill—a James Bond-themed celebration—raising funds for MND research.

This news comes as former England Rugby Union captain Lewis Moody has also been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND). After noticing some weakness in his shoulder, 47-year-old Lewis and his wife, Annie, received life-changing news.

In a pre-recorded interview on BBC Breakfast, Lewis shared: “Two weeks ago, I was diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

“I think it’s fair to say it was a huge shock for all of us. We’re understandably very emotional about it.”

“But it’s just so strange because I don’t feel like anything’s wrong, you know? I don’t feel sick or unwell. It’s a really odd position to be in. We’ve gone through a lot of emotions over the past couple of weeks.

“It’s never myself I feel sad for—it’s the sadness of having to tell my mum, having to tell the boys… I mean, two amazing boys.”

Lewis became emotional as he reflected on the heartbreaking moment, saying: “That was really tough, wasn’t it? We were all sitting on the couch in tears, Ethan and Dylan clinging to each other. Then the dog jumped up and started licking the tears off our faces, which was actually quite touching.

“It was, without a doubt, the hardest and most awful thing I’ve ever had to do, but I’m really grateful we faced it together.”

Showing remarkable courage, Lewis continued: “I feel calm about it all now—maybe it’s shock, maybe something else, I’m not sure—but…” His wife Annie interjected: “That’s so typical of you, that’s just so Lewis. I honestly admire you.”

The rugby legend added: “We understand the reality, but I want to stay positive.”