Viv Hope

Viv Hope
Emmerdale character
Portrayed byDeena Payne
Duration1993–2011
First appearanceEpisode 1789
10 August 1993
Last appearanceEpisode 5817
13 January 2011
ClassificationFormer; regular
Introduced byNicholas Prosser (1993)
Gavin Blyth (2009)
In-universe information
OccupationBusinesswoman
SistersLucy
Gina Bellwood
HusbandReg Dawson
(1978–1983)
Vic Windsor
(1984–1998)
Bob Hope
(2001–2005, 2006–2011)
SonsScott Windsor
Heath Hope
DaughtersDonna Windsor
Cathy Hope
Adoptive daughtersKelly Windsor
StepsonsJosh Hope
Jamie Hope
StepdaughtersRoxy Lockhart
Carly Hope
Dawn Woods
GranddaughtersJean Tate
April Windsor

Viv Hope (also Dawson and Windsor) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Emmerdale. Portrayed by Deena Payne, the character first appeared on 10 August 1993, and remained until 13 January 2011, becoming one of the longest-serving characters, after nearly 18 years in the show; her tenure is currently the seventeenth-longest in the history of the show.

In November 2007, it was confirmed that Payne had asked for a break. To explain her absence Viv was sentenced to three years' imprisonment after she pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud. However, conman Freddie Yorke (Keith Woodason) stole the charity money and left her to take the blame. Viv was off-screen for eleven months, but made two brief appearances in October 2008. In June 2009, Payne resumed the role and returned on-screen in July. On 11 October 2010, it was announced Payne would leave after 18 years on the show. The character was killed off in January 2011, when Viv was trapped in a fire alongside Terry Woods (Billy Hartman), who was attempting to rescue her, and an explosion engulfed the Post Office, which instantly killed both Viv and Terry. On 13 January 2012, the village held a memorial service in memory of both Viv and Terry as a mark of respect.