Emmerdale’s character Vanessa Woodfield is causing a stir as she threatens to expose Charity Dingle’s hidden baby secret. On the current episodes of the ITV soap opera, Charity, played by Emma Atkins, faces the risk of her deceit unraveling this festive season. She revealed to her former lover, Vanessa (portrayed by Michelle Hardwick), that the child she’s carrying is not Sarah Sugden and Jacob Gallagher’s through surrogacy but a result of her natural conception after a one-night affair with Ross Barton (played by Mike Parr).
Despite Vanessa’s misconception that Mackenzie Boyd (portrayed by Lawrence Robb) is the baby’s father, tensions rise as Vanessa and Charity spend Christmas Day together. The situation intensifies when Vanessa becomes intoxicated during dinner, leaving Charity anxious about potential revelations. Later, Charity and Mackenzie share a moment reflecting on their day, but the looming question remains: will Vanessa expose Charity’s baby secret?
Michelle Hardwick, 49, has embodied the role of Vanessa on Emmerdale since 2012, initially introduced as the daughter of Frank Clayton (played by Michael Praed) and the half-sister of Tracy Metcalfe (portrayed by Amy Walsh). Interestingly, Emmerdale served as the meeting ground where Michelle found her real-life partner, Kate Brooks.
Kate, a skilled television executive, previously worked as a series producer on Emmerdale before assuming the producer position on Coronation Street last year. The couple publicly announced their relationship on National Coming Out Day in October 2018 via a heartwarming Instagram post. Their unconventional wedding plans led them to Graceland in Memphis, where they exchanged vows in an intimate ceremony in September 2019.
Michelle and Kate have since welcomed two children, a son named Teddy and a daughter named Betty. Prior to her relationship with Kate, Michelle was married to Rosie Nicholl for three years before parting ways amicably in 2015. The couple’s split, although saddening, was mutual and devoid of external influences.
Michelle’s acting career has included notable roles in Heartbeat and Coronation Street before landing the role of Vanessa on Emmerdale. Her diverse acting repertoire also features appearances in The Royal and Hollyoaks. Emmerdale airs on ITV and ITVX during weekdays.