For nearly two decades, audiences watched her grow up in the heart of the Yorkshire village. But while her character has been noticeably absent from Emmerdale in recent months,

actress Gabrielle Dowling has quietly been making headlines in a very different arena—one that trades dramatic soap storylines for agility courses and wagging tails.

The 20-year-old star, best known to viewers as Cathy Hope on the long-running ITV soap, surprised fans this week after proudly announcing that she had won a prize at the world-famous Crufts dog show.

The achievement marks a remarkable moment for the young actress, who has spent much of the past year away from television screens following her character’s sudden disappearance from the show.

While many viewers had been wondering what happened to Cathy, Gabrielle has clearly been channeling her energy into a new passion—competitive dog training—and it is already paying off.

A Surprise Win at the World’s Biggest Dog Show

Crufts, widely regarded as the most prestigious dog show in the world, attracts competitors and canine enthusiasts from across the globe each year. Among the hundreds of young competitors hoping to impress judges in the Young Kennel Club events was Gabrielle, accompanied by one of her beloved dogs.

The actress entered the ABC Agility category, an event designed to showcase a dog’s speed, precision, and ability to navigate complex obstacle courses. In a field packed with talented handlers and highly trained dogs, Gabrielle and her canine partner delivered a performance that captured the judges’ attention.

When the results were announced, the Emmerdale star walked away with an impressive second-place finish.

Clearly thrilled by the accomplishment, Gabrielle shared the news with fans on social media. Posting a photo of herself smiling beside her dog and proudly holding a rosette, she wrote simply: “She’s the best girlie—2nd in the ABC!”

The post quickly sparked excitement among followers who were delighted to see the actress thriving during her time away from the soap.

Where Has Cathy Hope Been?

Gabrielle’s Crufts victory arrives nearly a year after her on-screen character seemingly vanished from Emmerdale. For viewers, Cathy Hope’s sudden absence left many unanswered questions.

The storyline that explained her departure appeared relatively simple at the time: Cathy set off on a three-month cruise with her stepmother Brenda Walker, promising adventure and a fresh start after a difficult period in her life.

But when those three months passed and Cathy failed to return to the village, fans began speculating about whether Gabrielle had quietly left the show for good.

Behind the scenes, however, insiders have been quick to insist that the actress has not permanently departed the series.

According to a source close to the production, Gabrielle has not left Emmerdale but is simply “not currently involved in active storylines.”

That distinction may offer reassurance to loyal viewers who have watched Cathy Hope evolve from a young child into a complex young adult over nearly two decades of storytelling.

Growing Up in the Emmerdale Spotlight

Gabrielle Dowling’s connection to Emmerdale runs deeper than most cast members. She joined the series as a child and effectively grew up on screen, sharing some of the show’s most emotional moments with audiences.

Even more uniquely, she appeared alongside her real-life twin brother Sebastian Dowling, who portrayed her on-screen sibling Heath Hope.

The pair became a familiar presence in the village over the years, portraying the ups and downs of teenage life while navigating the dramatic world of soap opera storytelling.

That shared journey came to a shocking end in 2024, when producers made the bold decision to kill off Heath Hope in one of the show’s most devastating storylines.

A Heartbreaking Exit for Her Twin Brother

Sebastian Dowling’s departure from Emmerdale was as dramatic as it was emotional.

In a storyline that stunned viewers, Heath was killed in a tragic car crash, leaving Cathy and the rest of the Hope family devastated.

The episode became one of the most talked-about moments of the year, with fans mourning the loss of a character who had been part of the show for nearly two decades.

After filming his final scenes, Sebastian took to social media to thank the cast, crew, and fans who had supported him throughout his time on the soap.

“Thanks to everyone at Emmerdale for such a fun time filming over the 17 years,” he wrote in a heartfelt post.

He also shared behind-the-scenes images from the dramatic crash sequence that ultimately ended his character’s storyline.

For viewers who had watched the Dowling twins grow up together on screen, the exit marked the end of an era.

A Dramatic Transformation Off-Screen

Since leaving the soap, Sebastian Dowling has also undergone a striking personal transformation that has left fans doing double takes.

The actor recently revealed a dramatically different appearance on Instagram, trading his signature long blonde hair for a shorter, sharper look. He has also embraced an intense fitness routine, building a muscular physique that bears little resemblance to his former teenage character.

Sharing photos of his new look online, Sebastian teased fans with the caption: “Have you missed me?”

The response was immediate.

“Holy crap—man’s become Hulk! Looking great bro,” one follower commented, while another joked about the dramatic change in appearance.

The transformation has sparked speculation about what the actor might do next in his career, though he has yet to announce any major acting projects.

Life Beyond the Soap

For Gabrielle, meanwhile, Crufts represents a glimpse into a life that extends far beyond the Emmerdale set.

Dog training has reportedly become a serious passion for the young actress, who has spent increasing amounts of time working with her animals and refining their agility skills.

Competing at Crufts—let alone winning a prize—is no small achievement. The competition is fiercely contested, particularly in the Young Kennel Club categories, which are designed to nurture the next generation of elite dog handlers.

Her success suggests that Gabrielle’s dedication to the craft has been both genuine and intense.

Will Cathy Return to the Village?

Despite her growing success in the dog-training world, fans remain hopeful that Gabrielle will eventually return to the Dales.

With Cathy Hope’s storyline left unresolved and the character still technically part of the show’s universe, the door remains open for a dramatic comeback.

Soap operas thrive on unexpected returns, emotional reunions, and unfinished business—and Cathy’s absence has certainly left a gap in the village dynamic.

For now, though, Gabrielle Dowling appears content enjoying life away from the cameras, celebrating new achievements and exploring passions that have nothing to do with television scripts.

And if her Crufts success is any indication, this Emmerdale star is proving that even when the cameras stop rolling, there are still plenty of ways to shine.