Emmerdale’s Cain Dingle has met his match for the first time in TWENTY years in dodgy DI Malone, says Jeff Hordley

EMMERDALE actor Jeff Hordley reckons Cain Dingle has finally met his match.

This month marks twenty years since the soap's resident bad-boy first showed up in the village and he now faces a huge challenge in the form of newcomer Detective Inspector Malone.

Jeff, 50, spoke to about his new storyline with DI Malone actor Mark Womack and admits it was great to have someone to bounce off of.

“It’s good to see Cain get his old DNA back,” grins Jeff.

“He’s finally met his match! It’s great to have somebody to bounce off, because Cain has not been in situations like this for a while.

He added: "We’ve been filming in some great locations, and there’s been a lot of Mexican stand-offs – a lot of me and Mark [Womack, who plays DI Malone] getting one up on each other, and it’s really fun!”

Cain and Malone first crossed paths after he accidentally shot his son Nate Robinson.

The gun that he used turned out to be one that he had been used to kill three people, which can be traced back to the dodgy cop.

That's why he has rocked up in the village and now has Cain, along with Billy and Will, who used to work for Malone as part of a criminal gang, in his sights.

The bent police officer is now trying to get the trio to do dirty work for him and Cain is not impressed.

"Cain has come across people like DI Malone before, so he's experienced with this kind of individual," Jeff explained.

"Each time he thinks he's getting rid of Malone, Malone comes back at him."

Jeff's alter-ego isn't alone in wanting corrupt cop to go away, as Will and Billy are heavily involved.

In fact, Will's criminal past and connection to Malone has dragged Cain into his mess, as the gun Cain used to shoot Nate was in fact a gun Will was hiding, as it was used by members of his former gang.

The pair are desperate for Cain to find a solution to the huge problem that is DI Malone and Jeff confirms that Cain is aware of the severity of the situation.

"Cain realises that Will is in too deep."

He continued: "He knows he has to take this on board on behalf of Will and Billy, he has to do everything to be able to make things better."

"He doesn't think they are incompetent as such, but he know they are unable to handle it."

Jeff revealed Cain's plan of action to take down the evil enforcer is to try and stay one step ahead of him and play him at his own game, but whether he will be able to pull the wool over Malone's eyes remains to be seen.

Regardless of the outcome, the legendary soap star is enjoying throwing himself into a new storyline and working with the newer actors on the soap.

Jeff said: "It's great acting with Mark, he's very professional and good fun to work with."

"We've been having a lot of fun, all of us together, being involved in this storyline!"