Buzzin Soap Stars

Viv Hope

How lovely to see the feisty Viv back in Emmerdale after a year without the Dales postmistress on our screens, however, it is clear from day one, that things are never going to be the same at the post office/cafe.

Deena Payne, who plays the part of Viv Hope, has had a year-long break from the ITV soap for personal reasons, while her character had been serving time in prison, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to fraud.

The 54-year-old actress said in an interview on This Morning, that she had enjoyed her year long holiday after being in the soap for past 16-years of her life, then added, that when she began filming The Dales soap, her son was only 7-months old and he will be 17-years-old in September.

Deena also spent part of her time auditioning ballet dancers for her musician husband, who’s work involves turning classical music into a rock music version with performers added.

The actress was given a very warm welcome back at the studio when she returned last month and admitted that she is glad to be back at work.