Emmerdale’s Michelle Hardwick has discussed her return to the ITV hit soap and confirmed that she will be back this year.

The actress, who is known for her role as Vanessa Woodfield, left the show last year to go on maternity leave, with her character exiting the village for a new job in Canada.

Since leaving, fans have been hoping that Vanessa will make a return and rekindle her flame with ex Charity Dingle.

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Speaking Metro at the British Soap Awards, Michelle confirmed that Emmerdale fans will see Vanessa on their screens soon as she revealed that she'll be back at some point this year.

Emmerdale fans are convinced Charity Dingle's former flame Vanessa Woodfield will soon be back in the ITV soap
Emmerdale fans want Charity and Vanessa to get back together

She said: “I'm definitely going back!', she told us on the red carpet at the British Soap Awards. 'I've not got a date as such, it'll be later in the year at some point, but definitely I'll be back!”

Vanessa, as viewers will know, was in a long term relationship with Charity before Mackenzie's arrival, which led to the couple splitting.

Charity and Mack got married earlier this year but their relationship came to an end when the truth about his one-night-stand with Chloe came to light.

Fans are hoping that Vanessa’s return could see the former couple get back together. Speaking about the possible romance Michelle added: “I mean never say never. When I left it was Vanessa and Suzy (that were together), but they split up on good terms, so who knows? I'm excited to know what's going to happen.”

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