Jackson Walsh (Marc Silcock)

Jackson Walsh

Jackson - the bearded wonder!

Jackson was first seen in a gay bar in Hotten when Aaron Livesy finally plucked up the courage to go in. He was a confident, young man who was comfortable in who he was. He asked Aaron for a game of pool but Aaron freaked out, leaving his mobile behind. Jackson returned the phone to Paddy at Smithy Cottage but didn't let on where the two men had met.

Aaron bumps into Jackson in town again and sensing he needs a mate, Jackson seeks him out in the village and invites him out. Aaron stands him up and is surprised when Jackson shows up in the Woolpack with a mate.

The two eventually meet for a drink and on their third meeting, Jackson kisses Aaron but they are seen by Adam Barton which throws Aaron and he stops returning Jackson's calls. When Jackson turns up in the village, Aaron freaks out again and hits Jackson, resulting in him being arrested and taken to court.

After the court case, Jackson returns to the village for work and the two men eventually reconcile. Their relationship has not been easy to say the least, mainly because of Aaron's temper and his feelings about being gay.

In October 2010, in an effort to get their relationship back on track, they head into town but after a row on the way home, Jackson loses control of his van and crashes onto a level crossing. His van is hit by an oncoming train and Jackson is seriously injured.

Jackson is left paralysed from the neck down and pushes everyone away especially Aaron, insisting that the old Jackson has gone and not wanting to be a burden or ruin Aaron's life.

He is obviously struggling with his condition as well as suffering the heartbreak of watching Aaron move on without him.

Marc Silcock

Marc Silcock has had roles in Shameless (as Fergal Maguire) and Waterloo Road (as Anthony Sugden), as well as a previous role in Emmmerdale as Josh Hope, son of Dales regular Bob.

Before joining Emmerdale as Jackson Walsh in March 2010, Marc was best known for his portrayal of Eli in Hollyoaks. Eli was a eerie character, a friend of Barry "Newt" Newton from his foster home days who intimidates him into playing pranks which become more and more serious, only to be revealed as Newt's alternate identity due to his schizophrenia. It was a recurring role for Marc until Eli's "death" in October 2009.

Marc's role as Jackson has had a comedic element (in particular his on-sreen partnership with Pauline Quirke has quickly developed a great chemistry for Hazel and Jackson's sarcastic banter), but since Jackson's horrific accident, Marc has put in some powerful and heartbreaking performances as his character tries to come to terms with being a tetraplegic. He has so far received nominations for Best Newcomer at both the Inside Soap Awards in 2010 and the National Television Awards 2011. He is currently contracted with Emmerdale until Spring 2011.

Manchester United supporter Marc currently lives in York with his girlfriend Amy.