Emmerdale’s Michelle Hardwick has received an outpouring of support after revealing some devastating news.

The actress, who joined the popular ITV soap in 2012, is best known for her role as village vet Vanessa, half-sister to Tracy Metcalfe (played by Amy Walsh). Over the years, she’s been at the heart of numerous major storylines.

Off-screen, Michelle is blissfully married to her wife, Kate Brooks, a relationship that blossomed on the set of Emmerdale. Kate is a highly skilled TV executive who previously served as a series producer on Emmerdale before taking up the reins as the producer of Coronation Street in 2024.

Michelle and Kate began their romance shortly after Michelle’s first marriage ended in 2017. By 2019, the couple had tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony in Memphis.

The couple are proud parents to two children, a son named Edward “Teddy” Peter Brooks, born in 2020, and a daughter named Betty Brooks, born in November 2022, reports the Mirror.

However, on Tuesday (January 6), Michelle shared the heartbreaking news that their beloved pet had passed away. Posting a picture of their dog, Fred, on Instagram, she confirmed the sad news.

She penned: “Our hearts are truly broken tonight, our house is not the same. Our Fred, our protector, he lost his fight this morning. We had 7 years of this incredible little guy, he was such a warrior.”

A heartfelt tribute from Michelle read: “No more suffering now, run free our beautiful Fred, you’ll be missed more than you’ll ever know, but we’ll talk about you every single day. We love you so so much.”

Michelle’s followers swiftly filled the comments section with supportive messages following Fred’s passing, including several from her soap co-stars.

Amy Walsh, her on-screen sister, wrote: “Awwww babe, I’m so sorry! ! ! Sending you so much love. Little Fred.” Coronation Street star Tina O’Brien also offered condolences, saying: “I’m so sorry to hear this. Sending you all my love.”

Natalie Ann Jamieson, who portrayed Amy Wyatt, commented: “Ohh, I’m so sorry guys, sending lots of love.”

Meanwhile, another fan expressed their sympathy: “Oh Michelle, I’m absolutely devastated for you all, this news has really upset me, Sending Love. Rest easy, gorgeous Fred.”