Emmerdale legend of 20 years finally staging a dramatic return – and she’s already back filming

| Soaps Reporter Published August 10, 2026 6:09pm Updated August 10, 2026 6:09pm An icon of the ITV soap is back (Picture: ITV) Emmerdale’s Isabel Hodgins left the ITV soap earlier this year when character Victoria Sugden fled to Portugal with son Harry. Her departure came after a dramatic start to the year, which saw her kill brother John Sugden during the epic Corriedale crossover episode. As if her guilt wasn’t enough on its own, Joe Tate (Ned Porteous) had proof of what she’d done, and used it to blackmail Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley) into framing Moira Dingle (Natalie J Robb) for murder. With all of that going on, it’s no wonder that Victoria wanted to get away, and opted to visit step-mum Diane for a while. In real life, actress Isabel went on maternity leave, and welcomed her first child, a baby girl, in February. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. Now, it seems that Isabel has returned to the role she has played for the last 20 years. Isabel Hodgins has returned to the Emmerdale studios (Picture: INSTAGRAM/Isabel Hodgins) Taking to her Instagram Stories, the star shared a picture of the stage door leading into the Emmerdale studios, suggesting that she is already back on set. She previously got fans excited about her return when she visited the set with daughter Georgie and partner Adam last month. ‘For the first time, I got to show Georgie (and Adam) around the village that’s been such a huge part of my life.’ Isabel wrote in an Instagram post. Isabel has played Victoria Sugden for 20 years (Picture: ITV) ‘I’ve been lucky enough to call this place work since I was 12 years old, so sharing it with my little family meant so much. ‘GG’s verdict? She’d quite happily move in.’ A lot has happened in the Dales since Victoria’s exit, including the arrival of distant cousin Serena Sugden (Casey Al-Shaqsy). Deals of the Day Parents can save up to 30% on Kickers school shoes ahead of the new term The back-to-school hack that's helping parents avoid queues and sold-out sizes Could your hair be wavy rather than straight? This brand thinks so Could your star sign improve your skincare routine? This new beauty launch thinks so Best skincare for menopausal skin? This dermatologist-created treatment is tailored to you Show boss Laura Shaw has already made it clear that she is keen to keep the Sugden family at the centre of the show, and we’re sure Victoria will be no exception. Arrow MORE: Tragic Coronation Street couple reunited in delightful update Arrow MORE: Is Lawrence Robb leaving Emmerdale? Strictly star confirms update to fans Arrow MORE: ‘Guinea pig’ Emmerdale star Danny Miller confirms surprise Strictly update The Soaps Newsletter – Weekly Sign up for exclusive spoilers and interviews, handpicked by our Soaps Editor.