Sammy Winward is renowned as an Emmerdale legend .
The soap star won over the hearts of the nation with her portrayal of Katie Sugden in the ITV show.
Sammy was aged just 15 years old when she joined the cast of the long-running soap back in 2001.
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The character was introduced as Andy Sugden's love interest and the two started dating after they first met during school detention.
Soap fans watched her journey to adulthood which included her eventual marriage to the character played by Kelvin Fletcher.
The couple endured a rollercoaster relationship and Katie became embroiled in an affair with Andy's adopted brother, Robert.
Katie was also involved in romances with Declan Macey, Nick Henshall and got married to Andy a second time during a turbulent 14 year stint in the village.
Sammy quit the soap in 2015 to pursue other career opportunities - and exited in dramatic style when she fell to her death following an argument with Robert Sugden.
Away from the screen, Sammy was involved in a high profile romance with Premier League footballer David Dunn.
The couple started dating in the early 2000s and Sammy gave birth to a daughter named Mia in 2005.
Sammy was engaged to the former Blackburn Rovers midfielder, but they split three months after she gave birth.
A source told the Daily Star at the time: "There was no-one else involved, they just grew apart.
"Having a baby is a stressful time for any couple and they've chosen to go their own ways.
"Things are tough - they aren't really talking to each other. But they're determined to get on with things for the sake of Mia. I'm sure after some water's gone under the bridge they'll stay friends, even if the spark has gone."
Sammy is now aged 36 and she wowed Loose Women fans as she appeared alongside her daughter Mia on an episode of the popular ITV programme last year.
Mia was aged 16 at the time and the panel were gobsmacked by how much the two looked alike.
Mia revealed her plans to follow in her mum's acting footsteps, which prompted Janet Street Porter to suggest she could play Katie Sugden's long-lost sister in Emmerdale.
Sammy is now married to Martyn Hardy, who works as a Human Resources Manager.
The soap star rarely shares snaps of her husband, but gushed over their relationship in a post to mark their 4th wedding anniversary last year.
She said: "On our way home from our London celebrations. Had the most magical weekend. The ballet, comedy clubs, food, food and more food and walking till our feet hurt.
"6 years today being engaged to the love of my life, 4 years married, 24 years of friendship and still going strong. Here’s to 24+ more."
Sammy is still working in showbiz and is currently looking forward to starring in the lead role of a new drama titled The Saturday After.
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7pm on ITV and ITV Hub with an additional episode at 8pm on Thursdays
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