Ned Porteous, Emmerdale star, makes public outing with American actress Lucy Heath

Emmerdale star Ned Porteous, who plays Joe Tate in the soap opera ITV, revealed that he was dating American actress Lucy Heath.

The 24-year-old soap star met Lucy in Los Angeles and the couple spends time together on both sides of the Atlantic, reports said.

Ned broke the hearts of Emmerdale fans when he decided to leave his character Joe Tate in order to try his luck in America.

It seems like he's cracked to find love, even though he's not done it yet in Hollywood, having met Lucy Heath in Los Angeles.

An insider told the Sun that it could be "early days" but that "Ned really likes going out with Lucy".

They have become "very close" since their meeting and, while Ned "generally prefers to keep his love life private", he was more open this time, posting photos of the couple on social media.

Ned recently made a brief return to Emmerdale, but insiders insisted that it was only a "cameo" and that he would return to Los Angeles, in hope to succeed in America.

Previously, speaking about his adventure in the US, Ned said, "Since I have not been on vacation for a very long time, I am desperately the first to leave for America.

"I have direction on the spot, so I want to try the American casting system, then go on vacation.

"I'm going to turn off my phone, go rock climbing, go camping, go fishing."

Until now, he has found love even though he has not found the role of his dream in Hollywood.

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