BREAKING NEWS: Emmerdale’s longest serving actress has ANNOUNCED Her DEPARTURE from the ITV soap

ITV’s beloved soap is in for another shake-up as Emmerdale star Isabel Hodgins has announced her departure after 19 years to focus on her pregnancy. The actress, 31, made her first appearance in the village as Victoria Sugden in 2006 at just 12 years old and has become the longest-serving female character currently on the soap.

As she prepares to welcome her first child with husband Adam Whitehead, Hodgins has said she “will miss” the soap as she opted to take a break from the Dales. Speaking to The Mirror, Hodgins shared: “I love the people there, but I’ve worked there for 19 years, so I feel like I’ve done what I’ve wanted to do and been selfish with my career.”

 

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Hodgins announced her pregnancy on Sunday (August 10), with a heart-warming snap and wrote: “First comes love, Then comes marriage, Then comes… Baby Whitehead.”

Taking to the caption, the actress, who is four months pregnant, added: “It’s something that we wanted to happen, but now it actually has, it’s still sinking in!”

The post was inundated with praise from fans and her Emmerdale co-stars, including Mandy Dingle star Lisa Riley, who commented: “Congratulations. Absolutely wonderful news. Made up for you both.”

Natalie Ann Jamieson, who played Amy Wyatt until she was killed off last year, added: “Ahh congratulations guys! Lovely news.”

As Vinny Dingle’s Bradley Johnson echoed: “This is the best news! Massive congratulations guys!”

Isabel as Victoria in Emmerdale

Isabel has starred in Emmerdale as Victoria since 2006 (Image: ITV)

Daisy Campbell said: “Omg iz!! So happy for you both, big congratulations,” while former co-star Charley Webb simply remarked: “Cutest.”

Hodgins and Adam tied the knot in a lavish ceremony in April 2025 in Manchester, attended by her fellow Emmerdale stars, including Laura Norton, Jeff Hordley, Danny Miller and Adam Thomas.

Following their 2023 engagement, the actress opened up about her wedding and revealed that the ceremony had a 63-strong guest list, that she gave her own speech, and that Adam even forgot her name during the vows.

Hodgins’ character is part of a long line of Sugdens, one of Emmerdale’s most famous families, appearing on the soap since its first episode in 1972.

Alongside having a profound impact on viewers, her hard-hitting portrayal and storylines were also recognised during award season. Hodgins was nominated for Best Dramatic Performance from a Young Actor at the British Soap Awards in 2009 but lost to EastEnders star Maisie Smith.