Emmerdale’s Isabel Hodgins Teases Soap is “Cooking Something Up” Ahead of Her Exit
Emmerdale star Isabel Hodgins has confirmed she will be stepping away from the soap for maternity leave—but her character Victoria Sugden won’t be going quietly.
The actress, who joined the ITV soap in 2006 when she took over the role from Hannah Midgley, revealed that producers are planning something dramatic for her temporary departure.
A Long-Running Sugden Legacy
Victoria Sugden has endured more than her fair share of heartbreak over the years. Once left isolated after her brothers Robert and Andy departed, she found herself alone as one of the last original Sugden family members in the village.
That changed last year when Oliver Farnworth made his debut as John Sugden, only for his shocking crimes—including the accidental murder of Nate Robinson—to shatter the community. John has since fled, but Victoria recently reunited with her brother Robert following his prison release.
Isabel’s Exit and Pregnancy News
Off-screen, Isabel Hodgins shared her happy news earlier this year: she and her husband Adam Whitehead are expecting their first child, just months after their “perfect wedding” in Manchester.
Speaking at the Cure Usher ball, Isabel admitted she doesn’t yet know how Victoria will temporarily leave the soap.
“The idea of not being [at Emmerdale] while I’m on maternity leave, that’s crazy! It’s still a surprise. They’re still cooking something up and we’ll see!” she teased.
Robron Twist on the Horizon
Before Victoria’s exit, fans can expect major drama. In upcoming episodes, she will catch her brother Robert holding hands with a mystery man named Kev—revealed to be his husband from prison.
Little is known about Kev, but his arrival promises to complicate Robert’s future with Aaron Dingle, reigniting the infamous “Robron” saga.
Isabel hinted the storyline will be explosive: “It’s a great twist to the story. (Kev) is a great character. I’ve really enjoyed working with them, and the audience are going to be in for a ride!”
Final Thoughts
With Isabel Hodgins heading on maternity leave, Emmerdale is preparing a storyline that could change the Sugden family forever. Between Robert’s secret husband and Victoria’s uncertain exit, fans are bracing for twists, heartbreak, and a cliffhanger worthy of soap history.