ITV Emmerdale fan-favourite details return plans after exit

Emmerdale actress Isabel Hodgins has opened up about her plans to return to the ITV soap.

Victoria Sugden’s Emmerdale future appears to have been settled following queries from viewers.

Some questioned whether the character had departed permanently, following her sudden exit earlier this year.

Victoria escaped the ITV village amid recent turmoil, including accidentally causing her brother John Sugden’s death, and being revealed by Joe Tate.

In reality, actress Isabel Hodgins who portrays her took maternity leave, having since given birth to her first child. Victoria assured her brother Robert Sugden that she and her son Harry would return, upon her departure.

However, fans were left questioning whether it marked a permanent goodbye, and now Isabel has disclosed everything.

Speaking candidly about motherhood and her intentions, she revealed how her perspective had shifted.

She outlined her intended plan, while acknowledging that potential maternal guilt might influence matters. Speaking on her co-star Danny Miller’s podcast with Nigel Clucas, entitled You Don’t Know You’re Born, the actress clarified her soap future, reports the Mirror.

She also disclosed that bosses never pressured her to provide a definitive decision regarding her return date. She shared: “I will need to find a way to manage that. For 20 years, work has been my priority.

“To be honest, I still don’t know when I’m going back. In my ideal world, it would be September. And then it’s all systems go. [That’s when] it really starts with the juggling and potential mum guilt, and whatever.”

Isabel added regarding Emmerdale’s bosses: “It was very much at my discretion how much [time] I wanted off.”

This comes as the major news breaks that the Sugden clan are set to grow during Victoria’s absence.

West End star Casey Al-Shaqsy will be joining the Emmerdale cast as Serena Sugden imminently. She makes her debut within days, while her connection to the family remains shrouded in mystery.

Despite early spoilers hinting she was Robert’s cousin, alternative teasers suggested ties to Sarah Sugden. Everything will be unveiled and clarified shortly when she arrives in the village.

Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw revealed: “The Sugdens are a core part of the Emmerdale fabric, and we are thrilled to welcome Casey to the family.

“Her character will be at the heart of some extremely gripping and unexpected storylines, forcing her to make difficult choices that will have dramatic consequences for some of the village’s biggest names.”

Casey expressed her delight about joining the programme: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining such an iconic show and playing a Sugden!

“Serena is a fantastic character with so much going on beneath the surface. I can’t wait for the audience to see the drama unfold.”

Emmerdale is available to watch on ITVX.