You will be ABSOLUTELY SHOCKED by what the former Emmerdale star says about Victoria Sugden’s possible comeback after leaving ITV
Thee actress left the soap earlier this year
Victoria Sugden left the ITV soap earlier this year (Image: ITV)
Victoria Sugden’s Emmerdale future appears to have been confirmed following a wave of questions from concerned fans. Many had begun to wonder whether the beloved character had departed for good after her sudden exit earlier this year. Victoria fled the Dales following a turbulent period of drama, which included accidentally killing her brother John Sugden and being exposed by Joe Tate.
Behind the scenes, actress Isabel Hodgins, who portrays the ITV character, departed on maternity leave and has since welcomed her first child.Before leaving, Victoria told her brother Robert Sugden that she and her son Harry would eventually return.
However, fans were left uncertain as to whether the exit was permanent — and now Isabel has set the record straight. Speaking candidly about motherhood and her future plans, she revealed how her priorities have shifted considerably.
The actress outlined her intentions while acknowledging that potential mum guilt could play a role in her decision-making.
Appearing on co-star Danny Miller’s podcast with Nigel Clucas, titled You Don’t Know You’re Born, she opened up about her soap opera future, reports the Mirror.
She also disclosed that show bosses never pressured her into committing to a firm return date. The actress shared: “I will need to find a way to manage that. For 20 years, work has been my priority.
FROM ITVSTRICT EMBARGO – No Use Before Tuesday 4th November 2025Emmerdale – 10438Wednesday 12th November 2025In another special standalone episode, Robert Sugden [RYAN HAWLEY] will open up about his past life in prison… Picture contact – [email protected] – Mark BruceThis photograph is (C) ITV and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/termsFROM ITVSTRICT EMBARGO – No Use Before Tuesday 4th November 2025Emmerdale – 10441Wednesday 12th November 2025In another special standalone episode, Robert Sugden [RYAN HAWLEY] will open up about his past life in prison… Picture contact – [email protected] – Mark BruceThis photograph is (C) ITV and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms (Image: ITV)
“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.”
Isabel added of Emmerdale’s bosses: “It was very much at my discretion how much [time] I wanted off.”
This comes as the Sugden family prepares to welcome a new addition during Victoria’s absence. West End star Casey Al-Shaqsy is set to join the Emmerdale cast as Serena Sugden imminently.
She makes her debut within days, though her connection to the family has yet to be fully revealed. While some early spoilers hinted she was Robert’s cousin, other reports suggested ties to Sarah Sugden. The full picture will become clear shortly when she arrives in the village.
West End star Casey Al-Shaqsy will be joining the cast of Emmerdale as Serena Sugden (Image: ITV)
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 shared her excitement about joining the show: “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.”
Emmerdale is available to watch on ITVX.