Emmerdale ‘s Vanessa Woodfield has left the Yorkshire village, moving in with her mum for several months.
Speculation about her exit had been swirling for months after actress Michelle Hardwick confirmed she was pregnant with her first baby back in April.
As the 44-year-old soap star leaves for her maternity leave, Vanessa’s cancer battle will continue, as she retreats to her mum’s house.
The vet was diagnosed with bowel cancer earlier this year and has asked Charity Dingle to become her son Johnny’s guardian in the case of her death.
Though Vanessa thought the process would be simple, it has proven more challenging than expected, as she has to seek permission from her ex Kirin Kotecha.
Despite the complications, Charity (Emma Atkins) is determined to track Kirin (Adam Fielding) down and receive his blessing for the adoption.
Opening up about her partner’s exit, last night’s episode saw Charity reveal Vanessa had left to stay with her mum.
(Image: missmichellehardwick/Instagram)
Vanessa’s return date hasn’t been confirmed, but as Michelle has yet to give birth, it is likely to be months before she shows her face in the Yorkshire dales.
Discussing her exit, Michelle told Metro: “Charity adopting Johnny is a massive step in their relationship.
“Obviously with me not being onscreen for the foreseeable due to my pregnancy, the story will continue going forward as Charity navigates her life and parenthood in the absence of Vanessa.”
(Image: ITV)
Michelle warmed fans’ hearts back in April when she announced she was expecting her first child with wife Kate Brooks, seven months after their marriage.
Beaming with joy, Kate, 41, shared a photo of Michelle clutching her stomach, as they posed next to their pet dog Fred.
Kate captioned the snap: “Fred’s big brother duties commence in October.”
The mum-to-be added a red-heart emoji and the hashtag “baby Brooks” to the heartwarming announcement.
Emmerdale airs tonight on ITV at 7pm
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk