Isabel Hodgins Says Filming Emmerdale Final Scenes Left Her ‘Exhausted’ as She Steps Away After 20 Years

Isabel Hodgins, best known for playing Victoria Sugden/Victoria Barton on Emmerdale, has opened up about how demanding her final days on the soap were as she prepares to welcome her first baby. The 32-year-old actress has been part of the long-running ITV series for nearly 20 years, joining the show when she was just 12 years old.

Speaking openly about her exit, Isabel revealed that filming her last scenes left her feeling “exhausted”, both physically and emotionally. In an interview with The Sun, she shared that while she expected to feel overwhelmed with emotion when leaving the show, pregnancy changed her outlook. She explained that although Emmerdale has been a huge part of her life, she felt ready to step away and focus on her health and upcoming motherhood.

Isabel also spoke about the strain of travel during her pregnancy. She currently lives in Manchester and had been commuting regularly to Leeds for filming. She said the long drives became increasingly tiring as her pregnancy progressed, and by the end, she knew it was time to rest before the baby arrives. Her final scenes were filmed in December, marking the end of a major chapter in her career.

The actress announced back in August 2025 that she and her husband, Adam Whitehead, are expecting their first child. The couple tied the knot in April 2025 in Manchester, surrounded by close friends and family. Isabel later shared the pregnancy news on Instagram, delighting fans and co-stars alike.

In a separate interview with The Mirror, Isabel spoke honestly about the early stages of her pregnancy, saying the news took time to sink in. She revealed that she and Adam were so surprised by the positive test that they bought more tests just to be sure. She also admitted that her first trimester came with challenges, including fatigue, mood swings, and strong cravings, though she was thankful she avoided severe sickness.

Despite the challenges, Isabel said she feels excited and grateful as she prepares for motherhood. Fans and fellow Emmerdale stars have flooded social media with messages of support, congratulating her on both her pregnancy and her long, successful run on the show.