Emmerdale star Mark Jordon has revealed he spent his wedding funds on legal fees to clear his name over an assault charge.
The Daz Spencer actor was found not guilty this week of affray, unlawful wounding and assault after an incident involving a pensioner in a pub in Oldham.
He has now spoken about the devastating impact of the trial.
Engaged to co-star Laura Norton, 36, the pair were celebrating their engagement on the night of the row.
But because Mark didn’t qualify for legal aid, the Emmerdale couple’s wedding fund had to be used to fund his defence – to the tune of five figures.
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He told the Sunday People: “I was at home watching the wedding fund being spent on barristers fees – watching it dwindle. But now we can start all over we’re already discussing plans.”
Throughout the trial Mark was supported by a series of famous friends who travelled from far and wide to show their support of him.
Emmerdale stars Nick Miles (Jimmy King), Sammy Winward (Katie Sugden) Chris Bisson (Jai Sharma), Charlie Hardwick (Val Pollard) and Chris Chittell (Eric Pollard) all turned up to lend their support during the trial.
He said: “When you are sitting in court accused of something terrible, behind glass screens, it is unnerving. My colleagues have been wonderful. I’m blessed that they sat in the public gallery every day.
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“Seeing them there kept me strong. It was incredible that they turned up every day.”
Mark was written out of Emmerdale earlier this year and now he is able to put the ordeal behind him he would love to make a comeback.
He added that it “would be my dream to return” as it’s just down the road and the “Yorkshire TV building is part of my history”.
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