A Life Behind the Spotlight

Jaye Griffiths is known to millions as Celia Daniels, the ruthless farmer and secret drugs kingpin currently terrorising Emmerdale. On screen, she’s commanding, cruel, and unflinching. Off screen, however, the actress has shared her most personal and painful truth — she is a survivor of domestic abuse.

Speaking on Kaye Adams’ How to be 60 podcast, Jaye revealed that for five years she endured a relationship defined by gaslighting, fear, and violence. “I couldn’t tell anybody because I was so ashamed,” she admitted. “I disappeared for about five years. I didn’t know if what I thought was real was real. He would constantly tell me I was wrong — and the day after he hit me, I would get jewellery.”

Living in Fear

The actress described a life where even the smallest decisions could trigger punishment. “If I put the heating on, there could be consequences — ‘you’re wasting my money.’ If I didn’t put it on and the house was cold, there’d be consequences to that too. You live in a world of, ‘what should I do? What’s for the best?’”

Eventually, Jaye found the courage to go to the police, where she was told something chilling: on average, a woman is assaulted 37 times before reporting it. “All I did was lie — ‘I’m fine, thanks, I’m fine.’ That’s exhausting,” she said.

Rebuilding a Life

When the relationship finally ended, Jaye had to learn to trust herself again, beginning with small but powerful choices. “I like tea but no milk, I like coffee black, I do not like bread. Those small choices are your foundation,” she explained. “You start there, and over time you get stronger.”

Now happily married for more than 20 years, Jaye says she lives in peace with her husband and their beloved greyhound. “Our house is safe, as it should always have been. There’s no drama. He cooks every night, he’s funny, and he cuddles the dogs. My life is gentle and I’m lucky.”

Playing Evil on Screen

In contrast to her private struggles, Jaye has built a career on playing tough, commanding characters in shows like Doctor Who, Silent Witness, and The Bill. But Celia Daniels in Emmerdale is her darkest role yet.

In a shocking episode, viewers saw Celia exposed as the true mastermind of the county lines drug ring, even slapping teenager April Windsor in a chilling moment that left the crew stunned. “When we did the rehearsal, literally the crew took a step back,” Jaye revealed. “I was like, ‘OK, it’s pretend. I haven’t touched her.’”

Breaking Barriers at 62

Now 62, Jaye refuses to be sidelined in the industry because of age. “We need to sex up 60. Fifties is still sexy, but sixties isn’t perceived that way. Stop treating me like I’m fragile, because I’m not,” she said defiantly. “I run marathons, I’m probably fitter than you. I still want to be in the fights, throwing stuntmen across the room.”

Strength in Survival

From enduring years of abuse to thriving in her career and personal life, Jaye Griffiths has turned survival into strength. Her story is not just about pain, but about rebuilding, reclaiming power, and proving that life after trauma can be safe, gentle, and full of love.