Emmerdale actress Isabel Hodgins has revealed why she continues her gym workouts and weight training regime as she nears her due date.

The 31-year-old star, who has played Victoria Sugden on the ITV soap since 2006, has been involved in several major storylines throughout her time on the programme.

Away from the cameras, Isabel and her husband, Adam Whitehead, are preparing to welcome their first baby together, just months after tying the knot.

The couple exchanged vows in a picturesque ceremony at Castlefield Rooms in Manchester city centre back in April. Their joyous news continued when Isabel revealed her pregnancy in August.

Sharing the announcement on Instagram, the soap actress posted a photograph of herself and Adam holding their scan, writing: “First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes… Baby Whitehead”, reports the Daily Star.

Isabel married her husband Adam Whitehead a few months back (Image: Instagram / Isabel Hodgins)

In a recent Instagram post, Isabel’s baby bump was clearly visible as she documented herself exercising at the gym. She outlined her motivation for continuing strength training whilst seven months pregnant.

The post was accompanied by the caption: “Here’s why I still weight train 28 weeks pregnant. 1. Helps prepare my body for labour, 2. Helps my mental health, 3. Quality time with my dad, 4. Aids with recovery post birth.”

Isabel’s social media post attracted an outpouring of backing from her Emmerdale colleagues, with Laura Norton, who portrays Kerry Wyatt, commenting: “Clever girl (love heart).”

Isabel as Victoria Sugden in Emmerdale (Image: ITV)

Charles Anderson star Kevin Mathurin declared: “So much respect, young lady”, whilst Danny Miller, known for playing Aaron Dingle, enthused: “Absolutely bang on!! Go on girl!!”.

One supporter commented: “Absolutely smashing it! I’m 32 weeks and still doing regular strength training in the gym.”

The actress’ post follows earlier backlash after she previously documented her fitness regime with fans online. She had written alongside the footage: “Gym with bump. Eating for two. Training for two.”

Some followers expressed worry, with one commenting: “Be careful”. A second warned: “Careful, you’ll do yourself a mischief the way you’re lifting that last lot of weights”.

Another remarked: “Love this video too, just be careful, darling, especially with the bump.”

The soap star recently suggested she may step away from Emmerdale temporarily to concentrate on raising her child. Speaking to The Mirror in August about her plans, the ITV performer revealed: “I will miss it. I love the people there, but I’ve worked there for 19 years, so I feel like I’ve done what I’ve wanted to do and been selfish with my career.”

Isabel added: “Now, it’s time to devote my life to being a mum, that feels right to me. But there’s still FaceTime, so they won’t forget me!”.

Emmerdale airs weekdays on ITV and ITVX