Is Victoria leaving Emmerdale for good? What we know about Isabel Hodgins’ exit and her future return

It's goodbye to Victoria this week
Carena Crawford

Victoria Sugden announced she is leaving Emmerdale and will depart on Thursday (February 12). But how long is she going for? And will we ever see her again?

Full of self-loathing for killing John and what the family are doing to Moira, Vic made the decision to go in Wednesday’s episode and it doesn’t look like any amount of begging from Robert will change her mind.

Victoria lied to devastated Moira over why she was selling up (Credit: ITV)
Victoria lied to devastated Moira over why she was selling up (Credit: ITV)

What happened in Emmerdale tonight?

In the cafe on Wednesday February 11, Nicola was mouthing off about Moira and Victoria went mad at her. She then stormed out and when Aaron asked what was going on Vic told him about Robert’s deal with Joe to run the farm.

Just then Joe arrived. He said Moira had to sign off on the sale. He gave them six hours to get the signatures. Victoria agreed to go to the prison.

Moira was pleased to see her and opened up about how hard it’s been inside. Vic then said she and Rob had decided to sell the farm. Moira was sympathetic but then she found out it was to the Tates and refused to sign.

Moira begged Vic not to do it, tearfully explaining what the farm meant to her. Victoria played the Harry card and Moira eventually gave in. She signed and gave the Tates what they wanted. Heartbroken.

Meanwhile, Robert went to see Cain and Matty and explained they’d sold their share of the farm to the Tates. Cain violently threw him out.

Victoria told Robert she couldn't live with the guilt and is leaving Emmerdale (Credit: ITV)
Victoria told Robert she couldn’t live with the guilt (Credit: ITV)

Victoria leaving Emmerdale

After delivering the signed papers to Joe, Robert later tried to comfort Victoria. But Vic told him it was the worst day of her life.

Victoria said she knows Moira isn’t going to get off. She said she can’t act like everything’s normal. “I can’t live like this, I can’t live with the guilt.”

She then dropped the bombshell she had spoken to Diane and her and Harry are leaving tomorrow to go to Portgual. Robert was stunned, but it didn’t seem like there was any changing her mind.

Isabel Hodgins is leaving Emmerdale to have a baby (Credit: MCPIX/Shutterstock)
Isabel Hodgins is leaving Emmerdale to have a baby (Credit: MCPIX/Shutterstock)

Is Victoria leaving Emmerdale for good?

Actress Isabel Hodgins is pregnant with her first child. The exit for Vic is to accomodate her maternity leave. But at the time she announced her pregnancy, it sounded like this was a final goodbye for the actress who has appeared in Emmerdale for 19 years.

She told The Mirror: “I will miss it. I love the people there, but I’ve worked there for 19 years, so I feel like I’ve done what I’ve wanted to do and been selfish with my career. Now, it’s time to devote my life to being a mum, that feels right to me. But there’s still FaceTime, so they won’t forget me!”

However, in a new interview with The Sun, she confirmed she will be back, but she doesn’t know when.

“I am not going to spoil what happens. But Victoria will definitely be leaving the soap because I am having a baby in real life!”

However, she confirmed the soap has left the door open for her, whenever she decides to return.

Isabel explained: “They told me it was up to me when I come back to the soap, which is lovely. I have been in Emmerdale for 19 years. It’s been a huge part of my life. Everyone has been so nice.”

So will Victoria leave tomorrow night for sunnier climes? Or will she end up freeing Moira and instead going to prison for killing John? We’ll just have to wait and see?

What else happened in Emmerdale on Wednesday February 11?

Victoria's upcoming exit wasn't the only thing going on in Emmerdale tonight...

Joe paid no attention to Kim's warning

Joe popped the Champagne to celebrate doing the deal with the Sugdens and Kim was impressed with him. But she banned him from moving on Moira while she was in prison. Graham agreed. Kim insisted they need to be "graceful" about it - "No moves until I say so."

Graham was really unhappy with how Joe had destroyed another family. Joe was resolute he would get his hands on Moira's share. He threatened Graham: "You better fall in line. If you want to be on my team, Graham, you will play by my rules."

Why is Graham giving in?!

Paddy realised Bear needs help in Emmerdale tonight

Bear was listening to his walkman not wanting to engage with anyone and still going on about Ray. Paddy acknowledged Bear is not getting any better.

April offered to watch Bear so Paddy and Dylan could have a break. They were watching TV together and April broke down crying. She said she was scared the police were going to charge her for everything Ray and Celia made her do.

Bear then opened up about what he'd done to Ray. He said he just wanted him to stop, he didn't mean to hurt him. He was his friend and now he's gone.

As April tried to comfort him and explain Ray was a bad man, Bear got more confused and upset, insisting Ray was his friend. April said he wasn't their friend and Ray had tried to kill her. Bear broke down saying that he's sorry, he's sorry over and over again.

Paddy arrived home and managed to settle Bear. April was apologetic, but Paddy had eventually realised that Bear needed professional help. "Enough's enough. He needs professional help." Acknowledging the risk of Bear confessing, Paddy said they had to take that risk.

Read more: Who’s leaving Emmerdale? All the cast exits, arrivals and returns