ITV Coronation Street’s Izzy Armstrong Star’s Famous Husband Leaves Fans Stunned

In the glittering world of Coronation Street, where romance and drama intertwine both on and off-screen,

few revelations have caused as much buzz as the one surrounding actress Cherylee Houston—

the beloved star who has played Izzy Armstrong since 2010. Fans of the long-running ITV soap were left utterly gobsmacked

when they discovered that the talented actress has been married for two decades to another familiar face from British television—actor, comedian, and writer Toby Hadoke.

For many, Cherylee is best known as the strong-willed and determined machinist at Underworld, who first arrived on the cobbles as Kirk Sutherland’s (Andy Whyment) love interest. Over the years, Izzy has become a cornerstone of the Coronation Street community—her storylines often tackling real-life issues with sensitivity and power. From her passionate romance with Gary Windass (Mikey North) to her gripping stint behind bars, Cherylee’s portrayal of Izzy has made her one of the show’s most respected stars.

Yet, it’s her real-life love story that’s now capturing headlines. Fans were shocked to learn that Cherylee, 51, has been married to Toby Hadoke, also 51—a familiar figure in the British entertainment scene, best known for his work in Emmerdale, Shameless, and Peter Kay’s Phoenix Nights. Even more surprising? Toby has appeared on Coronation Street himself—not once, but twice.

A Hidden Soap Connection

Cherylee and Toby’s paths first crossed professionally in 2021, when Hadoke joined Coronation Street as Fergus, Izzy’s kind-hearted neighbour. The role came during one of the most sensitive periods in the show’s history—the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Fergus was portrayed as a compassionate figure, offering support to Izzy as she navigated the isolation and fear that came with being vulnerable during lockdown.

Through his performance, Toby helped shed light on the experiences of disabled people during the pandemic—an issue that resonated deeply with both the audience and the actors involved. Off-screen, the couple’s shared passion for meaningful storytelling and representation made their collaboration especially poignant.

Toby later spoke warmly about working alongside his wife, telling reporters:

“She’s such a good actor—it’s easy to forget that because she’s become such a powerful voice for disability representation. But she’s brilliant, truly brilliant.”

It’s a sentiment echoed by Coronation Street viewers who have long admired Cherylee’s commitment to authenticity, particularly in portraying life as a disabled woman. Through Izzy, she has broken barriers and opened up important conversations about accessibility and equality on television.

Toby Hadoke: The Man Behind the Laughter

While some fans recognized Toby’s face immediately, others struggled to place where they’d seen him before. A seasoned performer, Hadoke has built an impressive career spanning comedy, acting, and writing. In addition to his television work, he is the long-time curator of XS Malarkey, Manchester’s iconic not-for-profit comedy club. The venue has been a launchpad for many of the UK’s biggest comedy names, including Jason Manford and Alan Carr, and has won the Chortle Award for Best Comedy Club in the North of England an astonishing nine times.

Hadoke’s connection to Coronation Street goes back even further than his 2021 role. In a charming revelation, he once admitted that his first appearance on the show was “about 747 years ago,” jokingly recalling,

“I was a young vicar who married Curly Watts. It was just a one-off, but it’s funny to think how far back that goes.”

For many fans, this revelation only added to the fascination—discovering that both husband and wife share such a rich history with the same iconic soap felt like uncovering a hidden gem in Corrie lore.

A Love Story Fans Never Saw Coming

When photos of the couple surfaced on social media, Coronation Street fans were quick to express their surprise and delight. One stunned viewer wrote, “How come I recognise him?” while another quickly replied, “That’s Toby Hadoke! He’s an actor, writer, and comedian—I had no idea he was married to Cherylee!”

Others reminisced about Toby’s role as Fergus, now realizing that the on-screen chemistry between him and Cherylee was rooted in genuine affection. The revelation sparked thousands of comments and shares across fan groups, with many praising the couple for keeping their relationship grounded and private despite their shared fame.

The pair’s marriage, which has lasted more than twenty years, is a testament to their enduring bond and mutual respect. In an industry often marked by fleeting romances and public scrutiny, their love story stands out as both heartwarming and authentic.

Breaking Barriers and Changing Perceptions

Beyond their relationship, both Cherylee and Toby are known for their advocacy within the entertainment industry. Cherylee, who has Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, has long been a powerful voice for disability inclusion in the arts. She helped establish TripleC, an organization that promotes opportunities for disabled and neurodivergent people in the creative sector. Her tireless efforts have not only influenced casting decisions within Coronation Street but have also inspired broader industry change.

Toby, meanwhile, has supported these causes through his own creative platforms, using his influence in comedy and writing to highlight underrepresented voices. Together, they form something of a power couple—championing change while continuing to bring laughter, empathy, and realism to their work.

The Legacy of a Soap Icon

As Coronation Street continues to evolve, Cherylee Houston’s impact remains undeniable. Her character, Izzy Armstrong, represents strength, independence, and the everyday challenges faced by many living with disabilities. Through storylines that have balanced emotional depth with social relevance, Cherylee has ensured that Izzy’s journey remains one of the most meaningful in the show’s history.

And now, with fans finally discovering the surprising identity of her real-life husband, the admiration for Houston has only deepened. The revelation of her long-standing marriage to Toby Hadoke serves as a reminder that behind the drama and heartbreak of Coronation Street lies a real-world story of love, resilience, and partnership that’s every bit as inspiring as anything written into the script.

In the ever-turning world of Coronation Street, where secrets rarely stay hidden for long, Cherylee Houston and Toby Hadoke’s love story is a rare one—quiet, enduring, and profoundly human. It’s a tale that proves even amid the chaos of Weatherfield, true love doesn’t just survive—it thrives.