An iconic Emmerdale star is taking break from soap after a whopping 18 years on our screens – and their exit storyline ‘being kept quiet’. 

Actress Gabrielle Dowling, 19, has played Cathy Hope on the ITV show since 2007.

Over the years she’s taken on a number of storylines, including April Windor’s bullying and her premenstrual dysphoric disorder diagnosis. 

But now she’s going to go on a ‘temporary’ break’ from the soap.    

A source told The Sun: ‘Gabrielle has been working solidly on the show for her entire life but with her A levels coming up thought it was best to take a break to focus on them.

‘She will be gone for a matter of months and will return later in the year once exam season is over.

Iconic Emmerdale star Gabrielle Dowling ‘taking break from soap’ after a whopping 18 years on screens – with exit storyline ‘being kept quiet’

Actress Gabrielle Dowling, 19, has played Cathy Hope on the ITV show since 2007

‘Her exit storyline is being kept quiet until it plays out on screen but it’s only going to be a temporary one.’

MailOnline have contacted Emmerdale for comment.

Gabrielle took on the role of Viv (Deena Payne) and Bob Hope’s (Tony Audenshaw) daughter Cathy from Ella Whitehouse Downes in 2007. 

Her real-life brother Sebastian plays her on-screen twin Heath. 

The siblings became a part of the Emmerdale family just four weeks after they were welcomed into the world. 

But Sebastian left the show in 2025 after his character Heath’s death.  

Away from the Dales, Gabrielle is a huge dog lover and even recently took part in Crufts – and even sectured a place in two of the categories with her cocker spaniel Fizz. 

Taking to Instagram, Gabrielle said: ‘What an experience! Both mine and Fizz’s first time on the green carpet and it didn’t disappoint!

Viv (Denna Payne) and Bob Hope (Tony Audenshaw) at Kathy (Gabrielle) and Heath Hope’s (Sebastian Dowling) christening in 2007 on the show 

Gabrielle and twin brother Sebastian at the The RadioTimes Soap Awards in Manchester last year

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‘Fizz tried her best and I couldn’t have asked for much more.

‘She really is the best, most honest dog. 

‘Thursday was the jumping cup, she gave me a nice clear and placed 7th.

‘Sunday was the pairs agility with Liliana and Fire.

‘Unfortunately Fizz got eliminated on the last jump after a very lovely run, but lil made up for it in a super quick clear and we ended up 5th (we had the quickest time though).’

Meanwhile it was revealed that Bradley Riches has joined the cast of the hit show.

Not much is known about his new character as of yet, but ITV have said that it was be ‘revealed in the coming weeks’.

Bradley has said of his new role: ‘I’m beyond excited to be joining Emmerdale!

‘It’s a real bucket list moment for me, especially since it was my grandad’s favourite soap, I just know he’d be over the moon.

Everyone has been so lovely and welcoming, and the village is even more amazing in real life.

‘I absolutely love my character (though I can’t spill too much just yet!), and I’m just so grateful for this opportunity.

‘I can’t wait for everyone to see what’s in store.’

Emmerdale is available to stream on ITVX.