‘Lots of fun’ ahead for Emmerdale’s Vanessa as surprising new friendship group forms

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video It hasn’t been the smoothest of sailing for Vanessa Woodfield in Emmerdale this year, but actress Michelle Hardwick has promised fun scenes ahead. Vanessa was left horrified this summer when she learnt that her ex-girlfriend Dr Caitlin Todd had sexually assaulted Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins). After Charity reported her assault to the police, DS Reid questioned Vanessa about Todd to get an idea of her character. When Vanessa realised that Charity was the person Todd had assaulted, she stepped up to support her and made her disgust of Todd clear. In upcoming scenes, Vanessa’s friendship circle is set to expand, and the villagers she has in her corner make a pretty iconic crowd. Metro spoke to Michelle Hardwick at the Cure Usher Ball, where she revealed that there will be some fun scenes in Vanessa’s future. ‘There’s a little new friendship group appearing for Vanessa. It’s an unlikely one, because you’ve got Sadie King, you have Lewis Barton, there’s Manpreet Sharma, who is her friend, and Ruby Miligan. So, there’s lots of fun to be had there. It’s brilliant!’ Vanessa Woodfield was horrified to learn the truth about Dr Caitlin Todd (Picture: ITV) Although she didn’t give anything else away, from that list of names alone, we’re sure we’re in for a treat with these scenes! Michelle was one of many soap stars in attendance at the ball, which was organised by co-stars Laura Norton and Mark Jordon to raise funds and awareness for Cure Usher Syndrome. The couple got involved with the charity after their children were diagnosed with Usher Syndrome in 2023. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. Usher Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder which causes hearing and vision loss and, in some cases, affects balance. There is currently no cure. Michelle Hardwick and Kate Brooks rallied support from the Coronation Street cast (Picture: FARRELL / BACKGRID) ‘It’s always so important to be here and help raise awareness and raise as much money as we can for this,’ Michelle told me. ‘It’s such a wonderful ball, as well. Laura and Mark and all the team, they work so hard every year to put this on, and it’s fantastic.’ Michelle was joined by her wife, Coronation Street boss Kate Brooks, and the pair had rallied up support from the Corrie cast as well. Deals of the Day I tried L'Oréal Paris's new PDRN serum and my skin looked glossier after one use This new Cricut gadget turns your favourite photos into stickers in minutes From kitchen hatches to burgundy walls – the biggest home trends for 2027 Oodie’s cosy blanket sale has arrived just in time for Christmas shopping Save over £700 on Simba's top-rated mattresses in this limited-time sale ‘Obviously we’ve got the Emmerdale guys, and me and Kate have rounded up a few of the Corrie ones this year. It’s gorgeous. Really lovely.’ The Soaps Newsletter – Weekly Sign up for exclusive spoilers and interviews, handpicked by our Soaps Editor.