Emmerdale actress Michelle Hardwick has shared heartbreaking news with her fans, revealing the death of her beloved family dog, Fred.
A Devastating Loss for the Soap Star Family
Michelle Hardwick, best known for playing village vet Vanessa Woodfield in the long-running ITV soap Emmerdale, took to Instagram on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, to announce the sad passing of her pet. The actress, who has been on the show since 2012, posted a photo of Fred alongside an emotional tribute.
She wrote that her family's hearts were 'truly broken' and their house was not the same. Michelle described Fred as their 'protector' who had lost his fight that morning after seven wonderful years. She called him a 'warrior' and promised the family would talk about him every single day.
Life On and Off the Cobbles
While her character Vanessa is currently embroiled in a dramatic surrogacy secret plotline involving Charity Dingle, Michelle's real-life is centred around her family. She is married to former Emmerdale producer Kate Brooks, whom she met during Kate's time on the soap.
The couple tied the knot in a memorable 2019 Elvis-themed wedding in Memphis, Tennessee. They are parents to two young children: a son, Edward 'Teddy', born in 2020, and a daughter, Betty, born in November 2022. Kate Brooks now works as a producer on rival soap Coronation Street, having moved in 2024.
An Outpouring of Support from Co-Stars and Fans
Michelle's sad announcement prompted a flood of supportive messages in her Instagram comments. Her on-screen sister, Amy Walsh (Tracy Metcalfe), offered her condolences, as did Coronation Street's Tina O'Brien (Sarah Platt) and former Emmerdale actress Natalie Ann Jamieson.
Fans also shared their sympathy, with one writing they were 'absolutely devastated' by the news. The loss highlights the deep bond between the soap star's family and their four-legged member, Fred, whose absence will be profoundly felt.
The actress signed off her tribute with a poignant message: 'No more suffering now, run free our beautiful Fred... We love you so so much.'
