Emmerdale's Amy Walsh Shares Emotional Update as Maternity Leave Begins
Amy Walsh's Emotional Update on Emmerdale Exit and Pregnancy

Emmerdale Star Amy Walsh Marks Final Filming Day with Emotional Update

Emmerdale actress Amy Walsh has shared a series of emotional updates with her social media followers, following her announcement of a "last day" of filming before beginning maternity leave. The 38-year-old star, who has portrayed the character Tracy Robinson on the long-running ITV soap since 2014, posted on Instagram about her experiences leading up to this significant personal and professional milestone.

A Decade in the Dales: Tracy Robinson's Journey

Since her introduction as a love interest for Sam Dingle, played by James Hooton, Amy Walsh has been integral to numerous memorable storylines in Emmerdale. Her character Tracy has navigated profound tragedies, including the death of her father Frank Clayton, portrayed by Michael Praed, and the devastating loss of her husband Nate Robinson, who was murdered by John Sugden in September 2024.

Tracy's narrative also included an affair with Caleb Miligan, played by William Ash, and her involvement in last year's dramatic limo crash. These plotlines have showcased Walsh's acting range, earning her nominations for several prestigious awards, such as Serial Drama Performance at the National Television Awards and Best Actress at the Inside Soap Awards.

Personal Life and Maternity Leave Preparations

Away from the fictional village of Emmerdale, Amy Walsh leads a fulfilling personal life with her husband, former EastEnders actor Toby-Alexander Smith. The couple, who married in 2023, are parents to four-year-old daughter Bonnie and are eagerly anticipating the arrival of their second child.

On Thursday, February 5, Walsh took to Instagram to reveal she was about to start her final day of filming at the ITV studios in Leeds. She accompanied a photo of the studio entrance with the caption, "Last day! Let's do this." The following day, she shared further updates after enjoying a babymoon holiday with her husband at a Yorkshire hotel, where they engaged in activities like playing pool and chess, and discussed their labour plan and baby names.

Heartfelt Reflections on Motherhood

In a particularly moving video, Walsh expressed gratitude for the supportive messages from her followers regarding parenting. She opened up about the joys of co-sleeping with her daughter Bonnie, stating, "I actually love Bon sleeping in our bed, or me getting into hers, having those cuddles. I love it and I don't wish it away at all."

However, she also shared her concerns about introducing a newborn into their family dynamic, explaining her efforts to encourage Bonnie to sleep more independently. Walsh's candid discussion highlighted the emotional complexities of balancing her career with impending motherhood, resonating deeply with her audience.

Upcoming Storylines and Future Plans

As Walsh begins her maternity leave, her character Tracy will remain central to Emmerdale's plotlines. In upcoming episodes, Tracy seeks revenge for her husband's murder by targeting John Sugden's ashes, with intentions to flush them down the toilet. This twist promises to deliver high drama for viewers.

Emmerdale continues to air weekday nights at 8pm on ITV1 and STV, as part of ITV's revamped soap scheduling. Fans can look forward to seeing how Tracy's story unfolds in Walsh's absence, while the actress focuses on her growing family.