Coronation Street fans were in for a surprise this week as former Corrie actor Jonathan Howard opened up about his personal life in a rare and refreshingly candid interview. While many may remember him from his early days on the cobbles, what truly caught attention wasn’t just his reflections on Weatherfield—it was his revelation of a star-studded romance and his new life far away from the Rovers Return.

Jonathan, best known for playing Scott in Coronation Street, has been steadily building a career beyond British soap fame. But now he’s making headlines for reasons outside his acting resume. In a recent podcast appearance and accompanying social media posts, the actor shared that he’s been happily living in the United States with his wife—none other than a well-known American television star, actress Élodie Yung.

While the two have kept their relationship largely out of the public eye, fans of both stars were thrilled to discover the transatlantic love story that had been quietly unfolding. Élodie Yung, best known for her role as Elektra Natchios in Marvel’s Daredevil and The Defenders, as well as her recent lead in FOX’s crime drama The Cleaning Lady, has long been admired for her powerful performances and action-packed roles. Now, she’s also winning hearts as one half of one of TV’s most low-key yet intriguing power couples.

The two met several years ago while both were working in Los Angeles, and according to Jonathan, it was an instant connection. “We bonded over our love of acting, obviously, but also over being outsiders in a very intense industry,” he shared. “She’s French-Cambodian, I’m this lad from Lancashire, and we were both trying to find our way in Hollywood. It just made sense.”

Howard admitted the move from the UK to the US wasn’t easy at first. “You miss the obvious things—your mates, the pub, your mum’s Sunday roast,” he joked. “But it’s hard to complain when you’re waking up in the California sunshine next to someone you love.”

Their home life, he says, is grounded and “surprisingly normal” for two actors. They share a daughter and have been navigating parenthood alongside demanding careers. Jonathan is quick to praise Élodie, not only as a performer but as a partner and mother. “She’s incredible,” he said. “She’s strong, grounded, hilarious, and one of the most caring people I’ve ever met. Watching her balance everything with such grace is honestly inspiring.”

The couple’s daughter, whose name they have kept private to protect her privacy, has become the center of their world. Howard says fatherhood changed everything. “It gives you perspective. Suddenly the hustle, the roles, the auditions—it’s all still important, but nothing compares to coming home and hearing your child laugh.”

Though he’s now based in the U.S., Jonathan still looks back fondly at his time on Coronation Street. “That set gave me everything. It’s where I learned the ropes, where I got my first real taste of how hard and fast this industry moves,” he reflected. “I still keep in touch with a few people from the cast. You don’t forget where you came from.”

Since his departure from the soap world, Howard has appeared in a number of international productions, including Thor: The Dark World, Downton Abbey, and Netflix’s Godless. But he admits there’s something uniquely special about the culture and loyalty of British soaps. “The fan base is unmatched,” he laughed. “They remember everything. People still come up to me and say, ‘Weren’t you the lad in that storyline with…?’ and I’m like, ‘That was 12 years ago!’ But I love it.”

Living in Los Angeles has opened up new opportunities for Howard, who has hinted that he’s developing a screenplay and considering a return to television in a more permanent role. “I’m not done yet,” he teased. “There’s a lot I still want to do—and now that I’ve got this amazing support system at home, I feel more ready than ever.”

Fans online have reacted enthusiastically to the reveal of Howard and Yung’s marriage, with many calling them an unexpected “dream couple.” While some were surprised, others say they’ve long suspected there was something romantic behind their rare but charming social media photos together.

For now, the couple seems content keeping things relatively quiet—preferring a private family life over red carpets and magazine covers. But with both stars continuing to thrive in their respective careers, their household is clearly one filled with ambition, creativity, and love.

When asked whether he’d ever return to Coronation Street, Howard didn’t rule it out. “Never say never,” he smiled. “If the right story came along, I’d be open. But right now, life is good where I am. We’re happy. And that’s the most important thing.”

In a world where celebrity relationships often make headlines for all the wrong reasons, Jonathan Howard and Élodie Yung are proving that real love stories can still fly under the radar—and thrive.