Emmerdale star Isabel Hodgins has shared a major announcement, confirming that she has welcomed a baby. It comes just a day after her exit scenes

as Victoria Sugden aired, which ended her 20-year stint on the ITV soap During last night’s (12 February) episode, the beloved character decided

o leave the Dales for a fresh start in Portugal with her son Harry amid her recent ordeals – though she assured half-brother Robert that she would be back.

Isabel had exited to go on maternity leave, and has now revealed the happy news that she and husband Adam Whitehead have welcomed a baby girl, while also confirming her sweet name.

Taking to Instagram, Isabel shared a clip of her pregnant self in the hospital, before a caption teased: “On the 11th of February at 1:02am…”

Announcing the baby’s name as Georgie Grace Whitehead with a weight of eight pounds and five ounces, the star then posted a sweet black-and-white picture of herself in the hospital bed with the newborn.

“And then we heard you,” Isabel captioned the post, while a host of co-stars sent congratulatory messages.

“Congratulations you three!! So happy for you all,” Aaron Dingle star Danny Miller wrote, while Lisa Riley, who plays Mandy Dingle, added: “Congratulations what amazing news love to you all love and hugs.”

Lawrence J Robb (Mackenzie Boyd) called the baby “beautiful”, while Laura Norton (Kerry Wyatt) said: “Best ever. So happy for the 3 of you.” Husband Adam also shared in the comments: “The best birthday present I could ever imagine.”

 

Speaking last year of her upcoming maternity leave, Isabel admitted she “will miss” the show, adding to The Mirror. “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!”