Viv Hope

Viv Hope

Vivienne "Viv" Hope (previously Windsor and Dawson) is a fictional character from the UK television 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.

In November 2007, it was confirmed that Deena 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. Actually conman Freddie Yorke stole the charity money and left her to take the blame. Viv was offscreen for eleven months, but made two brief appearances in October 2008. In June 2009, Deena 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 and died alongside Terry Woods who was attempting to rescue her, when the Post Office exploded. On January 13, 2012, the village hosted a memorial for Viv and Terry to mark their respects.