Michelle Hardwick is one of Emmerdale's most renowned faces.
The soap star has played Vanessa Woodfield in the ITV show since 2012. The character arrived on the soap to work as a locum at Rhona Ghoskirk's veterinary surgery.
She has since endured a turbulent time on the village as she was held hostage by murderer Pierce Harris, gave birth to a son after a one-night stand and battled bowel cancer. Spoilers for this week's episode show her time in the fictional Yorkshire village is about to come to an end.
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Vanessa is set to clash with Rhona this week after she agrees to buy Jamie's share in the veterinary business. She is particularly unimpressed with the terms of her new contract, which will prompt her to accept a job in Canada.
The tension will come to the fore when Vanessa accuses Leyla Cavanagh and Suzy Merton of using drugs again. Vanessa will be mortified when Suzy provides evidence she is still sober and will be left in tears as she leaves for Canada alone.
Fortunately for Michelle, her life away from the fictional Yorkshire village is less dramatic than onscreen counterpart. She is happily married to show producer Kate Brooks.
Kate hails from Merseyside and they are the proud parents of two children. Michelle welcomed their second child into the world earlier this month.
She posted on Instagram: "Introducing Betty Brooks to the world! Betty made a cheeky early appearance on Tuesday 15th November weighing 5lb 10ozs. We all love you so much our beautiful Betty B."
Michelle welcomed her first son into the world named Teddy in 2020. She went on maternity leave in 2020 before she returned to the show last year.
Michelle's upcoming Emmerdale exit also coincides with her maternity leave so Vanessa may be set for a dramatic return to the village at some point in the future.
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