Emmerdale’s Laura Norton Prioritizes Charity Ball Over Wedding Amid Children’s Rare Condition
Laura Norton, known for her role as chaotic Kerry Wyatt in Emmerdale, is currently focused on organizing a charity ball rather than planning her wedding. As Deaf Awareness Week approaches, she emphasizes her commitment to the event, which has taken precedence over her wedding plans.
A Busy Schedule
Norton, 42, is engaged to actor Mark Jordon, who has portrayed Daz Spencer on Emmerdale since 2014. The couple has been engaged for seven years and shares two children, Jesse, five, and Ronnie, three, both diagnosed with Usher syndrome, a rare genetic condition that leads to hearing and vision loss.
The couple is dedicating their efforts to the Cure Usher Ball, scheduled for September in London. Norton stated, “There’s just the two of us doing it and I’ve got lists all over the house. That’s why we can’t get married this year – it would be crazy to try to plan a wedding as well as a ball for 350 people.”
Raising Awareness
In addition to her charity work, Norton is also helping Emmerdale celebrate Deaf Awareness Week. She has released a series of videos teaching her co-star Mike Parr, who plays Ross Barton, British Sign Language. Norton remarked on the significance of this week for her family, saying, “Deaf Awareness Week is important to us, as both of our children have been diagnosed with hearing loss and they both wear hearing aids.”
The family has taken BSL lessons together, with Norton expressing hope that the videos will inspire others to learn sign language. “It’s a wonderful skill,” she added.
Wedding Plans on Hold
Initially, Norton and Jordon dreamed of a lavish wedding abroad. However, their focus has shifted to a more intimate celebration. “Now we just want a big celebration of love and it doesn’t matter where we do it, how we do it, and how cheaply we do it,” she explained. They are considering hosting the wedding at Kelvin Fletcher’s farm, a venue known for its picturesque setting.
Norton expressed her desire for a festival-like atmosphere, stating, “We want a big party, maybe outdoors with a festival vibe, where all of our friends and loved ones are in the same place.”
Family Life and Challenges
The couple was taken aback by their children’s diagnoses but remains positive. Norton stated, “We never think ‘why us?’ Would I rather they weren’t going through it? Yes. But all we can do is turn it into something positive. It’s given us a purpose.”
Norton has portrayed Kerry Wyatt since 2012, a character who has experienced significant drama, including tumultuous relationships. She described Kerry as “caring, loyal, full of heart,” yet also “a bit damaged.”
Reflecting on her career, Norton noted her journey from various acting roles to landing her part in Emmerdale. She studied performing arts and spent years working in diverse jobs while pursuing her acting career.
Supportive Partnership
Mark Jordon has played a crucial role in supporting their family, allowing Norton to focus on her acting career. “I’m very grateful. It meant that I could carry on at Emmerdale and I’ve felt safe knowing that the children are with him. He’s a phenomenal dad and I couldn’t be doing this job without him,” she said.
As the couple navigates their busy lives, they remain committed to their children and their advocacy work.
For more details, visit www.mirror.co.uk.
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Published on 2026-05-08 12:18:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk