Emmerdale star Michelle Hardwick has received an outpouring of support from fans and colleagues after announcing the heartbreaking death of her family's beloved dog.
A Beloved Family Member
The actress, best known for playing village vet Vanessa Woodfield on the ITV soap since 2012, shared the sad news on Tuesday, 6th January. She revealed that the family's pet, Fred, had passed away that morning after a brave fight.
Michelle posted a touching tribute to the dog on her Instagram account. She described Fred as the family's "protector" and a "warrior," stating they had enjoyed seven wonderful years with him.
"Our hearts are truly broken tonight, our house is not the same," Michelle wrote. "No more suffering now, run free our beautiful Fred, you'll be missed more than you'll ever know, but we'll talk about you every single day. We love you so so much."
Support from Soap Co-Stars and Fans
The comments section was quickly flooded with messages of condolence. Her on-screen sister, Amy Walsh, who plays Tracy Metcalfe, responded: "Awwww babe, I'm so sorry!!! Sending you so much love. Little Fred."
Other well-wishers included Coronation Street actress Tina O'Brien and former Emmerdale star Natalie Ann Jamieson. Fans also joined in, expressing their own devastation at the news and sending love to the grieving family.
Michelle's Family Life Away from the Dales
Away from the cameras, Michelle is married to television executive Kate Brooks. The couple met on the set of Emmerdale, where Kate previously worked as a series producer before becoming the producer of Coronation Street in 2024.
They began dating in 2017 and tied the knot in a 2019 ceremony in Memphis. Together, they are parents to two children: a son named Edward "Teddy" Peter Brooks, born in 2020, and a daughter, Betty Brooks, born in November 2022.
The loss of Fred marks a difficult moment for the family, who have clearly been deeply affected by the death of their four-legged companion. The public show of support highlights the close-knit community within the soap world and the affection held for the actress by her loyal fanbase.
