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Emmerdale Vanessa actress' 'really hard' split from first wife before marrying co-star
Reach Daily Express | May 9, 2026 11:40 PM CST

Michelle Hardwick has become a beloved fixture on Emmerdale in her role as Vanessa Woodfield - but what is known about her personal relationships?

The actress arrived at the ITV soap in 2012 - and it is safe to say she has swiftly established herself as a viewer favourite. The character has also featured prominently in numerous storylines throughout her time on the programme.

From a devastating bowel cancer diagnosis to her relationship with Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins), Vanessa's journey in the Dales has been filled with drama.

Particularly at present, as she seems to have developed feelings for villainous Dr Caitlin Todd (Caroline Harker) following her move into her spare bedroom. Viewers will remember that Dr Todd has been making medical student Jacob Sugden's (Joe-Warren Plant) professional life utterly miserable in recent months.

Beyond the soap, however, Michelle's romantic life has frequently attracted media attention over the years.

The accomplished star was formerly married to Rosie Nicholl. Michelle and Rosie first met in 2011 while Michelle was performing in pantomime and Rosie was playing in the orchestra, reports the Mirror.

Their relationship flourishing, 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 the 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 separation from Rosie, Michelle discovered love once more with Kate Brooks. Kate, an accomplished TV executive, had previously served as a series producer on Emmerdale before taking up the role of producer on Coronation Street.

The couple made their relationship public in October 2018, on National Coming Out Day, sharing an affectionate Instagram photograph. The pair became engaged following Michelle's orchestration of an unforgettable proposal involving a flash mob of The Greatest Showman performers at their local cinema.

Michelle and Kate ultimately abandoned plans for a lavish celebrity wedding in the UK, opting instead to keep their nuptials strictly between themselves, jetting off to Elvis Presley's iconic Graceland in Memphis in September 2019. The delighted pair have since gone on to welcome two children, a son named Teddy and a daughter called Betty.

Emmerdale airs Monday to Friday at 8:00pm on ITV1 and ITVX


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