EMMERDALE star Gabrielle Dowling has won a prize at Crufts – a year after disappearing from screens.
The actress, 20, has played Cathy Hope on the ITV soap for 19 years but last year her character went on a temporary break.
Viewers watched as Cathy left to go on a three-month cruise with stepmother Brenda – but has simply not returned.
However Gabrielle has been busy with her other pursuits including dog training and this weekend she took home a prize from Crufts.
The actress took home second place in the ABC Agility in the Young Kennel Club competition with one of her talented pooched.
Posting a picture with her dog and rosette, Gabrielle said: “She’s the best girlie 2nd in the ABC!”
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An Emmerdale insider insisted that Gabrielle “had not left the show” but was simply “not in story”.
In 2024 Gabrielle’s real-life and on-screen twin brother Sebastian Dowling left the soap.
He played Heath alongside his sister and was killed off in the show in a devastating car crash.
Sending a poignant message to all of his supporters, Sebastian penned alongside the snaps: “Thanks to everyone @emmerdale for such a fun time filming over the 17 years.”
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He also posted shots of him on-set filming the crash that ultimately killed him off.
In the time since he left the show Sebastian has transformed the way he looks – looking almost unrecognisable.
He cut off his long blonde hair and hit the gym to show off a complete transformation.
The star shared some pictures of his new look on Instagram, stunning fans.
He captioned the pictures: “Have you missed me?”
One fan replied: “Holy crap, mans become hulk! looking great bro.”
Another added: “Your chopped bruh …”
Emmerdale has been contacted for comment.
