Emmerdale’s Michelle Hardwick, who plays Vanessa Woodfield in the ITV soap, has opened up about her split from first wife Rosie Nicholl.
Michelle Hardwick has become a beloved fixture on Emmerdale as Vanessa Woodfield – but what do we know about her romantic life?
The actress arrived on the ITV soap in 2012 – and it’s safe to say she’s swiftly won over viewers. Her character has also been central to numerous major plotlines throughout her time on the show.
From a devastating bowel cancer storyline to her relationship with Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins), Vanessa’s journey in the Dales has been packed with drama.
Particularly right now as she seems to have developed feelings for villainous Dr Caitlin Todd (Caroline Harker) following her move into the spare bedroom. Viewers will remember that Dr Todd has been tormenting medical student Jacob Sugden (Joe-Warren Plant) in recent months.
Beyond the soap however, Michelle’s romantic life has frequently grabbed attention over the years. The gifted star was previously wed to Rosie Nicholl. Michelle and Rosie first crossed paths in 2011 while Michelle was performing in pantomime and Rosie was part of the orchestra, reports the Mirror.
Their relationship flourished, and Michelle and Rosie exchanged vows in 2015. The couple said their “I do’s” at Danby Castle, near Whitby in North Yorkshire, and radiated joy in their wedding photographs. Sadly, in 2017, Michelle confirmed her separation from Rosie.
Speaking to the Daily Star, she said: “Unfortunately Rosie and I did split last year but are still good friends. It was one of those things where we did drift apart. We had a big fairytale wedding and I still love that day, it was brilliant.
“It’s just really sad and one of those things that happens. We still have our dogs which we’ll share and nobody else was involved, it just happened and it was a mutual decision. I don’t know how else to explain it.
“I grew out of love and she became more of my best friend. It was like we were living as friends, not a married couple. We’re still living together, just in separate rooms while the divorce goes through but it’s underway.”
Following her break up with Rosie, Michelle discovered love with Kate Brooks. Kate, a gifted TV executive, had previously served as a series producer on Emmerdale before taking up the role of producer on Coronation Street.
The pair revealed their romance in October 2018, on National Coming Out Day, with an adorable Instagram snap. They became engaged after Michelle arranged an unforgettable proposal featuring a flash mob of The Greatest Showman performers at their local cinema.
Michelle and Kate decided to forgo a grand celebrity wedding in the UK, opting instead for an intimate ceremony just between them at Elvis Presley’s legendary Graceland in Memphis in September 2019. The joyous couple have since expanded their family with two children, a son named Teddy and a daughter called Betty.
Emmerdale airs Monday to Friday at 8:00pm on ITV1 and ITVX
