A milestone moment
Isabel Hodgins, who plays Victoria Sugden in Emmerdale, marked 20 years since her first day on the ITV soap on Friday, August 21. The actress, who joined the show in 2006, is currently on a break from the Dales after welcoming her first child, daughter Georgie, with her husband Adam Whitehead earlier this year. The couple announced the birth in a social media post on February 13.
Hodgins took to Instagram to share a carousel of images showing her as Victoria over the years, 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?'
Co-star reactions
Her co-stars were quick to respond with messages of love and congratulations. Eden Taylor-Draper, who plays Belle Dingle, commented: 'Awwww I love you.' Laura Norton, who plays Kerry Wyatt, replied: '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.'
Danny Miller, who plays Aaron Dingle, added a playful note: 'You’ve been off for 9 months, so it’s 19 years and 3 months.' In a more serious message, he said: '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.'
Adam Thomas, who played Victoria’s ex-husband Adam Barton, praised her as 'what an icon!' and said: 'Happy I got to share some of those years with you.' Kelvin Fletcher, another former co-star, also commented that the milestone was 'amazing.' Hodgins replied to Adam Thomas with a joke, referencing a past storyline: 'Stop it! You will always be Victoria’s favourite husband… I’ll never forgive you for getting in that shipping container!'
Fans also joined in, with comments from @emma_twin praising her for apparently looking the same age as when she joined, and others echoing the celebratory tone.
Recent personal and professional highlights
Hodgins married Adam Whitehead at Castlefield Rooms in Manchester city centre, in a wedding attended by Emmerdale co-stars including Danny Miller, Mark Jordon, Laura Norton, Jeff Hordley, and Zoë Henry. The couple’s daughter Georgie arrived 11 months after the wedding.
In a separate Instagram post, Hodgins described taking Georgie and Adam to visit the Emmerdale set for the first time, writing: 'Yesterday was special. For the first time, I got to show Georgie (and Adam) around the village...' The post highlighted how she is balancing her new role as a mother with her long-running career.
On-screen storyline context
Hodgins’ recent storyline on Emmerdale saw Victoria flee to Portugal after killing her brother John Sugden, following a dramatic sequence in which Joe Tate blackmailed Robert Sugden to help destroy Moira Dingle. The Manchester Evening News referred to John as her 'evil half-brother.' While the character is currently absent from screens, Metro noted that it is looking likely Victoria will return to the Yorkshire Dales soon.