ITV soap Emmerdale has received a fresh update regarding the future of fan-favourite character Victoria Sugden, played by actress Isabel Hodgins.
Victoria’s sudden exit earlier this year left viewers uncertain about whether her departure from the village was permanent. The character left following intense storylines involving family conflict and emotional fallout, with a promise that she may return alongside her son, Harry.
Addressing the speculation, Hodgins has now confirmed she intends to return to the long-running drama, although she has not set a fixed date. Speaking on a recent podcast appearance, the actress explained that her return is influenced by her transition into motherhood after welcoming her first child.
She shared that her priorities have shifted significantly, noting that work was once her sole focus but is now balanced with family life. Hodgins admitted she is still determining the right time to resume filming, suggesting a possible return later in the year if circumstances align.
<blockquote class=”tiktok-embed” cite=”https://www.tiktok.com/@emmerdale/video/7642429789399289120″ data-video-id=”7642429789399289120″ style=”max-width: 605px;min-width: 325px;” > <section> <a target=”_blank” title=”@emmerdale” href=”https://www.tiktok.com/@emmerdale?refer=embed”>@emmerdale</a> "And you'll have blood on your hands." <a title=”emmerdale” target=”_blank” href=”https://www.tiktok.com/tag/emmerdale?refer=embed”>#Emmerdale</a> <a title=”emmerdaletok” target=”_blank” href=”https://www.tiktok.com/tag/emmerdaletok?refer=embed”>#EmmerdaleTok</a> <a title=”emmerdalevillage” target=”_blank” href=”https://www.tiktok.com/tag/emmerdalevillage?refer=embed”>#EmmerdaleVillage</a> <a title=”emmerdalemoments” target=”_blank” href=”https://www.tiktok.com/tag/emmerdalemoments?refer=embed”>#EmmerdaleMoments</a> <a title=”emmerdaleclip” target=”_blank” href=”https://www.tiktok.com/tag/emmerdaleclip?refer=embed”>#EmmerdaleClip</a> <a target=”_blank” title=”♬ original sound – Emmerdale” href=”https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-7642429835410705185?refer=embed”>♬ original sound – Emmerdale</a> </section> </blockquote> <script async src=”https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js”></script>
The actress also revealed that Emmerdale producers have been supportive throughout her maternity leave, allowing her flexibility without pressure to commit to a strict schedule. This approach has given her space to adjust to motherhood while keeping the door open for a comeback.
Meanwhile, the Sugden family storyline is set to expand during Victoria’s absence. A new character, Serena Sugden, portrayed by Casey Al-Shaqsy, will join the show and become involved in major upcoming plots that are expected to impact several key residents of the village.
As anticipation builds, fans continue to wait for Victoria Sugden’s on-screen return, which remains one of the most closely watched story arcs in Emmerdale.