Emmerdale's James Moore reveals personal struggle over planning dream wedding for heartbreaking reason
Emmerdale star James Moore has opened up about his 'magical' wedding to teacher Sophie Edwards - and revealed the one hurdle they faced when planning the Cotswolds ceremony. James is best known for playing Ryan Stocks in the ITV soap, joining the soap five years ago and winning a National Television Award for Most Popular Newcomer.
The actor, who has cerebral palsy, and Sophie spoke to OK! in an exclusive interview about their big day and revealed that it took some time to find a venue that was accessible. "We went to some venues but due to historical preservation they tend to be inaccessible,” said James, who uses a wheelchair.
Sophie added, “We’re in 2024 but there are some venues that just aren’t accessible. It’s nobody’s fault, it’s how some of these historic buildings were built but the manor has always been so inclusive. They made sure the ramps were down and ensured James always had a straw with his drink. They couldn’t be more helpful and again, it promotes the message that marriage can be for anybody, regardless of their ability.”
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The pair wed at Cheltenham’s Manor by the Lake, surrounded by 100 friends, family and Emmerdale co-stars, including Emma Atkins and Mark Charnock. Their stunning wedding featured a bouncy castle - which was a 'non-negotiable' for Sophie - as well as a temporary tattoo station, Lego-building table and donut wall.
After spending the night away from James, Sophie spent the morning getting ready with her maid of honour Beth and bridesmaids. Despite the initial wedding day nerves, Sophie - who wowed in her floor-length pink gown - felt stunning. “I’m more of a plus-size bride, I’m bigger than James and that’s OK. In society, it’s like, ‘If you’re bigger than your husband, then let’s not go there,’ but my friends and the staff were just so complimentary and beautiful, it made me feel so accepted and like I can be loved for my size," she said. Turning to Sophie, James said, “You looked beautiful. Everyone was talking about how beautiful you looked.”
James revealed that the couple 'never wanted to be particularly tradition', with the groom sporting a 'Dairy Milk purple' suit and the bride is a blush-coloured dress. "Decorations, flowers - we did all of that ourselves with James’ sister, mum and nieces,” Sophie said. “The centrepieces on the tables were knitted pumpkins that James’ mum had made. She’d been knitting them for about six months!"
