Isabel Hodgins has reached a major career milestone, celebrating 20 years of playing Victoria Sugden in Emmerdale. The actress, who first appeared on the ITV soap as a 12-year-old, marked the occasion with an emotional Instagram post that drew heartfelt responses from her co-stars and fans alike.
Off-screen, Hodgins has also had much to celebrate recently, having married her partner Adam Whitehead and given birth to their daughter, Georgie. She has been documenting her journey as a new mother on social media, sharing glimpses of family life with her followers.
A heartfelt Instagram tribute
Taking to Instagram, Hodgins uploaded a carousel of images showing her portrayal of Victoria over the last two decades. In the caption, she reflected on her journey, writing: “20 years ago today, I walked into Emmerdale to film my very first scene. I had no idea what the next two decades would bring, but I’m so grateful for every memory, every opportunity and all the amazing people I’ve met along the way. 20 years… how did that happen?”
Her post was quickly flooded with supportive messages from her on-screen family and colleagues. Danny Miller, who plays her on-screen brother-in-law Aaron Dingle, playfully commented: “You’ve been off for 9 months, so it’s 19 years and 3 months.” In a more serious tone, he added: “In seriousness. I have learned from you on and off screen. You inspire me everyday and I love you to pieces. Now hurry up home.”
Co-stars and fans react
Adam Thomas, who played Victoria’s ex-husband Adam Barton, wrote: “Wow !!!! Congrats that’s a huge achievement… what an icon! X love you x 20 years!!! Happy I got to share some of those years with you x.” Hodgins replied: “Stop it! You will always be Victoria’s favourite husband… I’ll never forgive you for getting in that shipping container!”
Other co-stars also shared their congratulations. Eden Taylor-Draper, who plays Belle Dingle, commented: “Awwww I love you,” while Laura Norton, known for playing Kerry Wyatt, said: “What a bloody milestone. Honoured to share the stage with you. She loves a hair re vamp doesn’t she. Love you forever Victoria Hodgins.”
Fans were equally enthusiastic. @emma_twin said: “Well done @isabelhodgins, that’s amazing!! How do you basically still look the same age as when you joined.” @jennykelly86 joked: “Sorry to just pop in here.. but iv got some serious questions, Q1 : how can it be 20 years if you are only 20? Q2: Are you aging backwards?!?” @norfolknerd added: “We’re so grateful to have you on the show and can’t wait to see you back on our screens soon.”
Recent visits and future return
Hodgins previously excited fans by sharing a picture of herself heading to the stage door at the show’s studios, having visited the set with her husband and daughter. In a montage of clips showing her walking her baby around the iconic locations of Emmerdale village, she captioned the post: “Yesterday was special. 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.”
Victoria’s recent exit saw her flee to Portugal in the aftermath of killing her brother John (Oliver Farnworth). When Joe Tate (Ned Porteous) uncovered her guilt, he used it to blackmail Victoria’s brother Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley) into helping him destroy Moira Dingle (Natalie J Robb) in a bid to claim her farmland. Drowning in guilt and the chaos of village life, Victoria headed off for a new start, but it looks likely she will return to the Yorkshire Dales soon, with fans eagerly awaiting her comeback.
