Emmerdale star Isabel Hodgins has been flooded with messages of love and congratulations as she celebrated 20 years on the long-running ITV soap, amid her current break from the show.
The actress, from Eccles, Salford, is famed for playing Victoria Sugden in the ITV soap, which is filmed in Leeds, having joined back in 2006. She has since been involved in a number of major storylines, including most recently the murder of her evil half-brother, John Sugden.
Isabel is currently enjoying a break from the Dales, having welcomed her first child into the world earlier this year. The soap star and her husband, Adam Whitehead, shared the news of their baby girl's arrival in a sweet social media post on February 13.
Milestone marked on Instagram
Georgie's arrival came 11 months after Isabel and Adam said 'I Do'. They married in a fairytale wedding at Castlefield Rooms in Manchester city centre, with the elegant celebration attended by Isabel's Emmerdale co-stars Danny Miller, Mark Jordon, Laura Norton, Jeff Hordley and Zoë Henry.
Despite her time away from the Dales, it was on Friday (August 21) that Isabel marked 20 years since she headed to work on Emmerdale for the very first time as she questioned where the past two decades had gone.
Alongside pictures of herself as Victoria over the years, she penned on Instagram: "20 years ago today, I walked into Emmerdale to film my very first scene [heart emoji]. I had no idea what the next two decades would bring, but I’m so grateful for every memory, every opportunity and all the amazing people I've met along the way. 20 years… how did that happen?"
Co-stars and fans respond
Her co-stars were quick to respond, with Belle Dingle actress Eden Taylor-Draper commenting: "Awwww I love you." Laura Norton, who plays Kerry Wyatt, replied: "What a bloody milestone. Honoured to share the stage with you. She loves a hair re vamp doesn’t she. Love you forever Victoria Hodgins."
Aaron Dingle actor Danny Miller couldn't help but poke fun, as he wrote: "You’ve been off for 9 months," before adding: "In seriousness. I have learned from you on and off screen. You inspire me everyday and I love you to pieces. Now hurry up home."
Adam Thomas, who played on-screen husband Adam Barton, commented: "Wow !!!! Congrats that’s a huge achievement… what an icon! X love you x 20 years!!! Happy I got to share some of those years with you," while former on-screen brother Kelvin Fletcher, who played Andy Sugden, said it was "amazing".
Fans were also keen to show their support. @emma_twin said: "Well done @isabelhodgins , that’s amazing!! How do you basically still look the same age as when you joined." @norfolknerd commented: "We’re so grateful to have you on the show and can’t wait to see you back on our screens soon."
@catherinexx12 wrote: "Congratulations on this milestone it’s absolutely amazing!! Here’s to another 20 of the amazing Victoria Sugden." @_bespoketraveller replied: "No wayy... what a milestone, HUGE congrats." @martinlogan27 added: "Congratulations @isabelhodgins looking forward to having you back in the Dales."
