Emmerdale’s Lesley Dunlop is reportedly leaving the soap and now fans have worked out how her character Brenda Walker will leave – and it’s not looking good
Emmerdale’s Brenda Walker could be set for a devastating exit, following reports that actress Lesley Dunlop, has left the soap.
Lesley has been a staple on the ITV soap playing beloved Brenda since 2008. And it’s fair to say she has been involved in significant storylines, including one where Brenda overcame a brain tumour.
She has also stuck by the side of Eric Pollard (Chris Chittell) amid his Parkinson’s diagnosis. What’s more, on New Year’s Day last year; Brenda’s surrogate son Heath Hope ((Sebastian Dowling) was killed in a car crash sending waves through the village.
What’s more, off-screen, Lesley is in a relationship with Chris Chittell, who plays her on-screen beau Eric. The pair first met back in 2008 when she joined the cast.
However, it was recently reported that Lesley has left the soap. Her alleged departure comes after reports suggest her co-star Roxy Shahidi, who plays Leyla Harding, is set to leave as well.
“There have been so many exits recently and the talk is of more. With people like Lesley and Roxy potentially in the mix, nobody feels safe,” a source told The Mirror.
They added: “The show has grown a lot bigger in recent years but soaps are expensive to make. It’s inevitable saving money means losing people – but it’s a huge shame all the same for those involved, their friends and colleagues.”
Now, following reports of Lesley’s soap exit fans are certain that it’s not going to be a happy ending for Brenda. So much so, that they have predicted a shock death twist.
Reacting to Lesley’s alleged exit on an Emmerdale Facebook fan page, one person said: “Surely it means they will be killing her off as she wouldn’t leave Eric unless he’s dying so she leaves?”
Someone else wrote: “She’s hardly been in it this year. I’ve got a feeling Brenda will die.” A third replied: “Probably! I love Brenda but she’s not had many storyline so can’t blame her for wanting to leave.”
Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1 and ITVX at 7.30pm
