Isabel Hodgins, the actress who portrays Victoria Sugden on Emmerdale, has confirmed her intention to return to the ITV soap later this year after taking maternity leave. Speaking on co-star Danny Miller's podcast You Don't Know You're Born, she revealed that she hopes to be back on set by September, though she acknowledged the challenges of balancing motherhood with a demanding filming schedule.
Victoria's Dramatic Exit and Fan Uncertainty
Victoria Sugden left the Dales earlier this year following a turbulent period that included accidentally killing her brother John Sugden and being exposed by Joe Tate. Before departing, Victoria told her brother Robert Sugden that she and her son Harry would eventually return. However, fans were left uncertain whether the exit was permanent, prompting questions about the character's future.
Behind the scenes, Isabel Hodgins went on maternity leave and has since welcomed her first child. In her podcast appearance, she disclosed that show bosses never pressured her into committing to a firm return date, saying: "It was very much at my discretion how much [time] I wanted off."
Isabel Hodgins on Motherhood and Career Priorities
Speaking candidly about motherhood, Hodgins explained how her priorities have shifted considerably. She stated: "I will need to find a way to manage that. For 20 years, work has been my priority." She added: "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."
The actress has been part of Emmerdale for two decades, making Victoria one of the soap's longest-running characters. Her return would mark a significant moment for the Sugden family, which has been a cornerstone of the show since its inception.
New Sugden Family Member Arrives
While Victoria is away, the Sugden family is set to expand with the arrival of a new character. West End star Casey Al-Shaqsy will join the cast as Serena Sugden, making her debut within days. The exact nature of her connection to the family remains under wraps, though early spoilers suggested she could be Robert's cousin or linked to Sarah Sugden.
Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw teased: "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 Al-Shaqsy expressed her excitement: "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."
What This Means for Emmerdale's Future
Isabel Hodgins' potential return in September could bring Victoria back into the fold just as new family dynamics emerge. The introduction of Serena Sugden is expected to shake up the village, and Victoria's return may intersect with these storylines. Emmerdale continues to air on ITVX, with fans eagerly awaiting the next developments.
