Emmerdale star Isabel Hodgins has candidly shared that she felt completely exhausted while filming her final scenes on the long-running soap opera as she prepares to embark on motherhood. The actress, who is 32 years old and has portrayed the character Victoria Sugden since she was just 12, announced in August of last year that she and her husband, Adam Whitehead, are expecting their first child together.
Emotional Departure from Emmerdale
Isabel Hodgins initially believed she would be overwhelmed with emotion when leaving Emmerdale for her maternity break. However, she has now revealed that she actually felt ready to step away from the demanding filming schedule. In an interview with The Sun, Isabel explained, "I thought I would be really emotional when I filmed my final scenes. Emmerdale is all I have ever known. But pregnancy does funny things to you, and the truth is, I felt ready not to have to film on Emmerdale!"
Challenges of Commuting During Pregnancy
The actress highlighted the physical toll of her daily commute, which contributed significantly to her exhaustion. Isabel resides in Manchester but had to drive to Leeds regularly for filming. She described, "By the end, I felt exhausted and I knew it was time to have a rest before the baby arrives." Her final scenes were completed in December, and she has expressed excitement about the upcoming arrival of her child.
Journey to Motherhood
Isabel Hodgins and Adam Whitehead, a PE teacher, discovered they were expecting after a surprising pregnancy test result. The couple was so shocked that they immediately purchased three additional tests to confirm the news. Isabel reflected on their plans, stating, "Originally, we booked a wedding for 2026, but then I realised I didn't want to wait that long to start a family. But I also wanted to be married first, so I kept changing the goal posts, but this was always the plan!"
Pregnancy Experiences and Symptoms
The pregnancy has not been without its challenges for the mother-to-be. During the first trimester, Isabel battled fatigue and mood swings, describing it as a roller-coaster experience. She noted, "I didn't know what to expect, but I think it has been tougher than I thought because it's been a bit of a roller-coaster. But luckily, I haven't been very sick, so that's a plus." Earlier in her pregnancy, she felt unwell initially, but this eased over time, replaced by intense cravings.
Celebrations and Support from Co-Stars
Upon announcing her pregnancy on Instagram with the message, "First comes love, Then comes marriage, Then comes… Baby Whitehead," Isabel received an outpouring of congratulations from fans and her Emmerdale colleagues. Co-stars such as Bradley Riches, who plays Lewis Barton, Lisa Riley as Mandy Dingle, Daisy Campbell as Amelia Spencer, and Eden Taylor Draper as Belle Dingle all shared their joy and support in the comments.
Wedding and Future Plans
Isabel and Adam tied the knot in April 2025 at the elegant Castlefield Rooms in Manchester, surrounded by close family and friends. As she now focuses on her imminent due date, Isabel is looking forward to embracing motherhood after a well-deserved rest from her acting commitments.
