Michelle Hardwick says everyone at 'Emmerdale' will miss her wife Kate Brooks' "smiley face and fabulous story brain".
Michelle Hardwick is a 'proud wife' after wife Kate Brooks made move from 'Emmerdale' to huge role at 'Coronation Street'
The TV veteran - who first served as story producer on the 'Coronation Street' back in 2012 - is leaving the rival soap after eight years as she takes over from Iain MacLeod following his promotion from producer to executive producer for continuing drama, making him the chief of both ITV soaps.
And Michelle - who plays Vanessa Woodfield on ‘Emmerdale’, and has two children, Teddy and Betty, with Kate - has gushed about how "proud" she is of her other half as she takes on the new major role.
She wrote on Instagram: "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.
"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."
In a statement, Kate said: "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.
"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."
Kate added that she has gained more than she "ever could have imagined" both professionally and personally from her time on the Yorkshire Dales-based show, but she's delighted to making the jump to Weatherfield.
She said: "'Corrie' has lit up my living room since I was a kid, so to be asked to produce a show I've revered for such a long time is the ultimate pinch me moment.
"I've adored the show from across the Pennines and have consistently been in awe of the talent on display, both on and off the screen.
"It truly is a special show and I endeavour to take great care to ensure that it continues to thrive as we head into the next chapter.
"'Coronation Street' has, and always will be, part of my DNA, and I can't wait to get stuck in.”
Meanwhile, Iain hailed Kate as a "fantastic storyteller", and he's looking forward to seeing what she does at the helm.
He commented: "I know under her guidance the show will be ambitious, exciting and full of heart and humour.
"She is 'Corrie' to the core and such a good fit for the show. I am genuinely excited to see what the next chapter holds and can’t wait to work with her again.”
During her time on 'Emmerdale', she produced a range of storylines alongside fellow producer Laura Shaw, including serial killer Meena Jutla and Mandy Dingle's 2019 return after 17 years away, along with Marlon's stroke, and Faith's breast cancer storyline in 2022.