Michelle Hardwick(also known asMichelle Brooks,[2]born 26 February 1976[3]) is an English actress. She is known for her roles as hospital receptionist Lizzie Hopkirk in theITVdrama seriesThe RoyalandVanessa Woodfieldin the ITV soap operaEmmerdale.
Michelle Hardwick | |
|---|---|
 Hardwick in 2019 | |
| Born | 26 February 1976 |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 1995–present |
| Spouses | |
| Children | 2[1] |
Career
editBorn inWakefield,West Yorkshire,[4]Hardwick studied Performing Arts atPark Lane Collegeand at the Scala Performing Arts school (both inLeeds), following which she has acted in the theatre as well as appearing on television. In 2000, she played the role of Hero in the Northern Broadsides' production of Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing".[5]She has taken notable roles inHeartbeatandCoronation Street.She appeared in three different episodes of the ITV UK TV seriesHeartbeat(1995 as Sandra in "Toss up"; 2002 as Lesley Sutton in "Coming of Age", which featured the death of character PC Tom Nicholson, played by Ryan Early; and finally in 2003 as Lizzie Hopkirk in "Out of the Blue" ). Hardwick appeared inCoronation Streetin 1997 as Sheila Dixon and in 1998 as Naomi Russell.
Her biggest role came through her casting as receptionist Lizzie Hopkirk (Kennoway) in ITV UK TV seriesThe Royal.The 1960s-set hospital drama was a spin-off fromHeartbeatand soon gathered popularity on its own account. Hardwick's portrayal of the ditzy Lizzie (often referred to as "Dizzy Lizzie" ) was a firm favourite amongst viewers. Lizzie delivered some very funny lines, including "A woman needs a fish like a man needs a bicycle". In 2012, she had a minor role inHollyoaksas D.I. Parker, who arrested established characterMitzeee(Rachel Shenton).
In October 2012, it was announced that Hardwick had landed a role in ITV soapEmmerdale.[6]She was to play Rhona's wild friend from collegeVanessa Woodfield,who had been tipped to shake up life at the vets' surgery. Vanessa was billed as a "self-assured party girl" who would be "like a breath of fresh air" when she arrived at the vets' practice. Hardwick commented: "As a local girl and a fan of the show,Emmerdaleis my dream job. After only two days, I am starting to feel at home already and Vanessa is such a fun character. I can't wait to see what's in store for her. "
Personal life
editHardwick came out as lesbian in July 2013, confirming that she was in a long-term relationship with music teacher Rosie Nicholl. The couple became engaged on 31 December 2013,[7]and married on 4 April 2015.[8]In 2017, Hardwick announced they weredivorcing.[9]
In October 2018, Hardwick revealed in anInstagrampost that she was in a relationship withEmmerdaleproducer Kate Brooks.[10]She announced the couple's engagement on Twitter in December 2018.[11]They married on 10 September 2019 atGraceland,Memphis, Tennessee,with Hardwick giving birth to their first son Edward Peter Brooks on 9 October 2020.[1]In November 2022, she gave birth to her daughter.
Hardwick has taken part inRace for Lifeevents near her home to raise money forCancer Research UK.She has spoken about her brother's diagnosis and recovery from skin cancer.[12]
Awards and nominations
edit| Year | Award | Category | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Inside SoapAwards | Best Newcomer | Nominated | [13] |
| 2014 | 19th National Television Awards | Newcomer | Nominated | [14] |
| 2018 | Inside SoapAwards | Best Partnership (shared withEmma Atkins) | Nominated | [15] |
| 2019 | Inside SoapAwards | Best Partnership (shared with Atkins) | Shortlisted | [16] |
| 2020 | RadioTimes.com Soap Awards | Best Actress | Nominated | [17] |
| 2020 | I Talk Telly Awards | Best Soap Partnership (shared with Atkins) | Nominated | [18] |
References
edit- ^ab"Emmerdale's Michelle Hardwick and Kate Brooks baby joy".RTÉ TEN.12 October 2020.Archivedfrom the original on 12 October 2020.
- ^@ChelleHardwick (12 September 2019)."In over 100 degrees heat, on Tuesday 10th September, I became Mrs Brooks"(Tweet) – viaTwitter.
- ^@ChelleHardwick (5 October 2013)."I'm pretty sure my mum gave birth to me in 1976"(Tweet) – viaTwitter.
- ^Macdonald, Chris (7 September 2015)."I'm a running convert".Women's Running.Retrieved10 November2019.
- ^@katebrooks (28 April 2019)."Just been to see the wonderful" Much Ado About Nothing "with my wife-to-be"(Tweet) – viaTwitter.
- ^"'Emmerdale' unveils four new characters ".Digital Spy.25 October 2012.Retrieved23 October2016.
- ^"Emmerdale star announces engagement".Digital Spy.7 January 2014.Retrieved23 October2016.
- ^"'Emmerdale' Michelle Hardwick: 'People don't guess I'm gay'".Digital Spy.6 July 2013.Retrieved6 July2013.
- ^Sandwell, Ian (13 February 2017)."Emmerdale's Michelle Hardwick reveals she's split from her wife Rosie".Digital Spy.
- ^Harp, Justin (12 October 2018)."Emmerdale star reveals she's dating show's producer".Digital Spy.
- ^Hardwick, Michelle."No Ordinary Proposal".Twitter.Retrieved9 June2019.
- ^Nicki Embleton (5 June 2016)."Emmerdale star Michelle Hardwick talks about doing Race for Life in Leeds".YouTube.Archivedfrom the original on 14 December 2021.Retrieved23 October2016.
- ^Dainty, Sophie (22 July 2013)."Inside SoapAwards 2013 - longlist nominees in full ".Digital Spy.Retrieved2 August2013.
- ^Kilkelly, Daniel (17 September 2013)."Corrie, EastEnders, Emmerdale, Hollyoaks stars up for NTAs - full list".Digital Spy.Retrieved20 September2013.
- ^Davies, Megan (24 July 2018)."Inside SoapAwards 2018 full longlist revealed: Which Corrie, EastEnders, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks stars are up? ".Digital Spy.Retrieved21 November2018.
- ^Harp, Justin (30 September 2019)."Inside SoapAwards 2019 full shortlist revealed – which stars are up for prizes? ".Digital Spy.Hearst Magazines UK.Archivedfrom the original on 16 November 2020.Retrieved17 April2020.
- ^"RadioTimes.com Soap Awards 2020 – Full list of winners".Radio Times.Retrieved17 September2020.
- ^Gonzalez, Elliot (8 November 2020)."I TALK TELLY AWARDS 2020 Nominees".I Talk Telly.