Isabel Hodgins has returned to the Emmerdale set, marking her comeback as Victoria Sugden after a brief hiatus. The actress, who has portrayed the beloved character for two decades, shared a photo of the stage door at the ITV studios on her Instagram Stories, confirming she is already back filming.
Why Victoria Left
Victoria's exit earlier this year was shrouded in drama. After killing her brother John Sugden during the epic Corriedale crossover, Victoria fled to Portugal with her son Harry. The guilt of her actions was compounded when Joe Tate (Ned Porteous) used evidence of her crime to blackmail Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley) into framing Moira Dingle (Natalie J Robb) for murder. The overwhelming pressure led Victoria to seek solace with her step-mum Diane.
In real life, Isabel took maternity leave and welcomed her first child, a baby girl named Georgie, in February. Her recent Instagram posts have hinted at her return, including a visit to the set with her daughter and partner Adam last month.
Emotional Return to the Village
Sharing her excitement, Isabel wrote on Instagram: 'For the first time, I got to show Georgie (and Adam) around the village that's been such a huge part of my life. I've been lucky enough to call this place work since I was 12 years old, so sharing it with my little family meant so much. GG's verdict? She'd quite happily move in.'
Since Victoria's departure, the Dales have seen significant changes, including the arrival of distant cousin Serena Sugden (Casey Al-Shaqsy). Show boss Laura Shaw has emphasized the importance of keeping the Sugden family at the heart of the show, and Victoria's return is expected to bring new storylines.
What's Next for Victoria?
With Isabel back on set, fans are eagerly anticipating Victoria's next chapter. The show's producers have not revealed specific plot details, but given the show's history, Victoria's return could reignite family tensions and unresolved conflicts. The character's long-standing presence and recent traumatic events provide ample material for compelling drama.
Isabel's return is a significant moment for Emmerdale, as Victoria Sugden has been a staple character since 2006. Her absence was felt by viewers, and her comeback is sure to be a highlight of the upcoming episodes.
