Actress Chelsee Healey, best known for playing Goldie McQueen in Hollyoaks, has been thrown into the spotlight for something far more personal than her TV roles.
Her long-time partner and father of her youngest daughter, Eddie Rainford, has just been sentenced to prison for his role in a high-level cannabis supply operation.
The emotional courtroom moment saw Chelsee sitting in the public gallery, quietly watching as the man she once called “The One” was handed a prison sentence.
Hidden Relationship, Public Fallout
Chelsee and Rainford had kept their relationship mostly private.
For years, fans only knew her partner as “Eddie,” with the actress choosing not to share many details publicly.
But after the birth of their daughter Cookie in December 2023—and a few subtle Instagram reveals—the public began piecing things together.
The full story, however, came crashing into view when Rainford was officially named in a court case for dealing multi-kilo quantities of cannabis.
Former Marine Turned Drug Dealer
Eddie Rainford, 32, had a past that included military service.
A former Royal Marine commando, he’d served in conflict zones like Africa, the Middle East, and even the tense North Korea-South Korea border.
At one point, he was even recommended for the special forces.
But at Manchester Crown Court, prosecutors revealed a very different side of him.
Alongside 28-year-old Jay Boyd, Rainford was accused of leading a cannabis-dealing network that included fancy-sounding strains like “Cali weed,” “Oreo Cookies,” and “Orange Cake.”
The Evidence That Sealed His Fate
Investigators uncovered phone records, text messages, and even photos showing piles of cash.
The two men were overheard at a Costa coffee shop discussing drug quantities and profits—conversations that made it clear they were operating on a wholesale level.
In total, the pair were held responsible for distributing 4.54 kilograms of cannabis, estimated to be worth between £32,000 and £45,000.
Rainford’s Defense and the Court’s Verdict
Rainford’s lawyer, Mark Friend, argued that the operation wasn’t as organized as the Crown claimed and denied the existence of a formal gang.
He painted Rainford as a man trying to turn his life around after serving his country—and now just wanting peace with Chelsee and her two daughters.
Despite the plea, Judge Peter Horgan handed Rainford a 24-month prison sentence, and Boyd 20 months.
The judge acknowledged Rainford’s military background but said his actions left no option but a custodial sentence.
Chelsee Remains Silent in Courtroom Drama
As Rainford was sentenced, Chelsee reportedly remained composed.
However, on her way out of court, she directed a cutting comment at a journalist: “Have you got what you want now? Someone’s misfortune.”
It was a rare glimpse of the emotional toll this has clearly taken on the actress, who’s been grappling with more than what fans have seen onscreen.
Behind the Scenes of Her Dancing On Ice Struggles
Chelsee had recently taken part in Dancing On Ice and was eliminated just four days after Rainford pleaded guilty.
At the time, she hinted she had been mentally preoccupied: “There’s been a lot going on with me… I’ve been struggling to focus.”
Now, it’s clear that what she was referring to was likely the stress surrounding her partner’s court case and the risk of him returning to prison.
Social Media Clues and Relationship Hints
Fans who had followed Chelsee closely over the past couple of years might’ve caught the clues.
Photos posted online, including birthday snaps and baby shower moments, gradually confirmed Rainford’s identity.
Many even suspected they had secretly tied the knot when she called him her “husband” online.
Chelsee once told Closer Magazine that Rainford was “marriage material” and the first man she ever introduced to her daughter Coco, now seven.
After past toxic relationships, she said Rainford finally brought her peace.
Chelsee’s Recent Mental Health Struggles
In April, Chelsee returned to filming Hollyoaks after taking a personal break.
But by May, she was expressing signs of distress on social media, telling fans she was “on a downward spiral” and trying to “put on a brave face.”
She admitted: “I don’t like people to know that I’m not where I want to be… but if you do need help, please reach out.”
What Comes Next for Chelsee and Her Family?
With Rainford now behind bars and the world now aware of her private struggles, Chelsee is navigating a very public chapter of her personal life.
For now, she’s focusing on her work, her daughters, and—hopefully—healing from the emotional weight of it all.