Hollyoaks pin-up raked in cash during his noughties heyday and even rejected a £2M mag deal – but now makes a modest living as a teacher

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By CHARLOTTE DEAN FOR MAILONLINE

Published: 14:55 BST, 3 April 2025 | Updated: 14:55 BST, 3 April 2025

A former Hollyoaks star swapped his glitzy showbiz career for a more modest lifestyle as a teacher after securing his status as a noughties heartthrob.

Jeremy Edwards, 54, featured in teen mags such as Mizz and More after soaring to stardom on the Channel 4 soap where he was voted ‘Hollyoaks’ sexiest star’.

The former actor, who played Kurt Benson on the show and became a fan favourite due to his boyish good looks and natural charisma, admitted he struggled with the pressures of fame and longed for a life out of the spotlight.

Jeremy is also remembered for his high-profile relationship with S Club 7 star Rachel Stevens after they became one of the ‘it couples’ of the noughties.

Life looks very different now for Jeremy, who works as a teacher to neurodiverse children and is a hands-on-hand to his two kids.

Jeremy shares his daughter Scarlett, seven, and son Teddy, four, with his wife Lydia Metz. The couple married in May 2009.

A former Hollyoaks star swapped his glitzy showbiz career for a more modest lifestyle as a teacher after securing his status as a noughties heartthrob (pictured Jeremy Edwards)

Jeremy Edwards, 54, featured in teen mags such as Mizz and More after soaring to stardom on the Channel 4 soap where he was voted ‘Hollyoaks’ sexiest star’ (pictured in 1995)

Reflecting on his past life in with the Sun, Jeremy said: ‘I had the best time of my life when I started out; I was going to elite showbiz parties. I was young, good-looking, and had loads of money – the money was insane – so make of that what you will.’

Jeremy explained that while women used to ‘throw themselves at him’, life now looks very different as he balances his job and home life.

‘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.’

Jeremy juggles four jobs, which include teaching neurodiverse students at the UK Film Academy, book writing, acting, and presenting on Ideal World.

The father of two said he hasn’t given up acting completely and is due to appear in a play and hasn’t ruled out a return for Hollyoaks’ 30th anniversary.

During his Hollyoaks days, Jeremy caught the eye of Rachel, now 46, and he proposed to her after 18 months on Valentines Day in 2002.

Jeremy is also remembered for his high-profile relationship with S Club 7 star Rachel Stevens after they became one of the ‘it couples’ of the noughties

Jeremy shares his daughter Scarlett, seven, and son Teddy, four, with his wife Lydia Metz. The couple married in May 2009

Detailing how they were mad for each other, Jeremy said: ‘I adored that girl; she was amazing. We were very good for each other, but there was just too much pressure. We were offered £2m for our wedding to appear in a magazine, and I turned it down.’

The couple split a year after their engagement due to the pressure fame but on their relationship and eight months later Jeremy met his wife Lydia. 

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.

Jeremy, who was diagnosed with ADHD four years ago, told the publication that he believes the condition played a role in his break-up with Rachel. 

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Hollyoaks pin-up raked in cash during his noughties heyday and even rejected a £2M mag deal – but now makes a modest living as a teacher

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