The star speaks out about the highs and lows of meeting fans, filming in the winter and welcoming back cast members

An Emmerdale star has revealed the highs and lows of meeting fans, filming in the winter and welcoming back cast members.

Michelle Hardwick is known for many roles such as hospital receptionist Lizzie Hopkirk in the ITV drama series The Royal, but mostly as former vet Vanessa Woodfield in the ITV soap opera Emmerdale. Vanessa arrived in the village in December 2012 when she was hired by Rhona Goskirk, an old friend from university, to work at the local vets since Paddy was suspended for a year.

Since then, the character has had many storylines such as undergoing cancer surgery to remove a tumour from her bowel and lymph nodes to losing her estranged father Frank in a factory fire.

When she is not filming, like other stars of the soap, she is scheduled to meet fans on the Emmerdale tour at Harewood House in Leeds at the weekend. Speaking to Yorkshire Live, she joked about how the meeting with fans was great as well as getting ‘a break’ from her two kids, Teddy and Betty who were at home with wife Kate Brooks.

“I love meeting fans who come from all around the world just to see the set of Emmerdale,” Michelle said. “It is amazing how it is a big part in everyone’s lives.

“I am always nervous when it is my turn to be the ‘guest star’, as it a running joke with the crew that everyone wants to see Jeff Hordley, who plays Cain, so everyone else is like second best. I often apologise to break the ice if anyone is disappointed.

“However, it is heart-warming to hear the excited whispers of my name or my character’s name when the tour guide teases guests with clues about who could be behind the curtain. It is then that I am reassured that I am not letting anyone down by not being Jeff and visitors would genuinely be happy that it is me.”

Even after taking pictures in the cold village hall with what seemed like hundreds of visitors, Michelle’s smile never falters and remains attentive and perky in quick exchanges with fans.

“Without fans, we would not be here celebrating our 55th anniversary of the soap.

“So, I always try to give them the best memories of their experience by welcoming them to the set, asking where they are from and getting to know them a little.

She adds: “In our short interactions, it is always funny to hear about people complaining that the village hall is cold and I am often asked how we cope with it, but we are used to it as we have to film outside constantly in January and February when it is really bad.”

Before Michelle had to leave to get ready for the next group of visitors, we asked about the return of cast members who are back this year.

She said: “We have just welcomed Michael Parr who is back as Ross, so it is always great to see a familiar face in the village.

“When we welcome anyone back, it is like a big reunion and a great way to catch up on what has been happing in their life.

“It is crazy how much changes when someone leaves then come back and you hear their about weddings, engagements and kids.”