Emmerdale star Michelle Hardwick has shared a heartfelt message as her wife, who’s been with the soap for eight years, is set to leave.

Her partner, Kate Brooks, has been producing Emmerdale since 2017 and has worked on nearly a thousand episodes. She’s now moving to Coronation Street. Kate Brooks said in her statement: “I’ve had a wonderful time working on Emmerdale and I feel immensely proud to be part of a team that has achieved such great success over the past eight years.”

She added: “I’ve absolutely loved my time on the show, and I’ve had the privilege of working with such a hugely talented and hard-working bunch of people, who also happen to be the loveliest, too. Both professionally and personally, Emmerdale has given me so much more than I ever could have imagined, and for that I shall be eternally grateful. Thanks Emmerdale, it’s been an absolute pleasure.”

Michelle expressed her pride on Instagram, saying: “PROUD WIFE ALERT. So the news is out that my beautiful, talented wife is swapping the Dales for the Cobbles to take on the role of Coronation Street Series Producer.” Kate has quit her role as Emmerdale producer to join Coronation Street, leaving behind co-stars and fans alike to praise her work.

Michelle added: “I know everyone at Emmerdale will miss her smiley face and fabulous story brain. To all my friends at Coronation Street, you’re very lucky, you’ve got a good one there. Good luck Kate! Me, Teddy and Betty are all so proud of you and love you all the world and more.”

Michelle, who plays Vanessa Woodfield in Emmerdale, tied the knot with Kate in 2019 and welcomed their first child Teddy in 2020, with Betty arriving a year later. They met on the set of Emmerdale and fell in love, after Michelle’s split from her first wife Rosie Nicholl in 2017.

Michelle’s co-stars hopped onto Instagram to congratulate Kate on her achievement, with Matty Barton star Ash Palmisciano writing: “And she will smash it too, they are so lucky to have her! ! ” Lydia Dingle star Karen Blick wrote: “Well done Kate, the cobbles are very lucky, you’ll be missed in the Dales.”

While Mackenzie Boyd actor Lawrence J Robb echoed: “Go Kate! ! ” and former Jamie Tate actor Alexander Lincoln followed up: “Amazing news! ! ! Good luck Kate xx.” Michelle only recently returned to the Dales after heading off on maternity leave to welcome the couple’s second child. She admitted to Inside Soap magazine: “It’s fabulous. I never realised how much I missed the place! It also means I can finish a hot cup of tea and go to the toilet on my own without hearing the word ‘Mummy!'”