Emmerdale star Michelle Hardwick has announced her separation from wife Rosie Nicholl. Michelle – best known to ITV soap fans as Vanessa Woodfield – married music teacher Rosie in April 2015, but has now revealed that they decided to split last year. Speaking to the Daily Star, 40-year-old Michelle said: "We are still good friends. It was one of those things where we did drift apart. We had a big fairytale wedding and I still love that day, it was brilliant. It is just really sad and one of those things that happens."
Michelle Hardwick has confirmed the end of her marriage to Rosie Nicholl
She added: "I grew out of love, and she became more of my best friend. Like, we were living as friends, not as a married couple. We're still living together, just in separate rooms while the divorce goes through. But it's underway." Michelle – who previously appeared in The Royal - concluded: "It has been the hardest thing either of us has ever has been through. Coming to the decision to split was very difficult. But I believe it will be for the best in the long run."
Michelle and Rosie pictured on their wedding day in April 2015
Michelle and Rosie tied the knot in the grounds of Danby Castle in April 2015 after a 15-month engagement. Although the exact timing of their split is not known, Michelle did celebrate their first wedding anniversary last April, sharing a sweet photo of the couple on their wedding day. The star said she had made the decision to remain quiet about their separation because she did not want to face difficult questions while she was trying to focus on her work.