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Emmerdale fans were shocked by a surprise double exit as Lesley Dunlop – who has played Brenda Walker in the ITV soap for the past 16 years – bowed out of the soap and took another cast member with her. It was announced late last year that the actress would be departing the role but she appears to have taken stepdaughter Cathy Hope (played by Gabrielle Dowling) along with her. Her exit saw her win tickets for a three month cruise in a magazine competition and she brought the youngster along as her plus one.
The pair bid a tearful farewell to the Brenda’s ex Eric Pollard (played by Lesley’s real-life husband Chris Chittell), and Cathy’s dad Bob (Tony Audenshaw). Prior to their departure Brenda had considered staying after she learned Pollard – who is battling Parkinson’s – had suffered a fall however he was insistent she take the opportunity. “Even after everything I’ve put you through, you remain utterly devoted to me,” he said.
“Despite the fact we’re no longer together, you would still sacrifice all that I can’t let you do that. I will not allow it. You have to go. I love you, Brenda. And that’s why I’ll never hold you back. This is your time now. I’ll be fine, certainly for a few months,” he assured her.
While his sentiment was heartfelt, with Lesley’s departure confirmed viewers already know Brenda won’t be returning home at the end of the cruise, although it is unknown what reason will be given. It is also uncertain whether or not Cathy will come back to the village as her departure was unexpected and not previously announced.
Prior to her final farewell, Brenda also stopped by stepson Heath’s grave to say goodbye before leaving. Ex-husband Bob joined her and, in emotional scenes, promised to put flowers on Gennie’s grave for her. Lesley, 68, has been involved in many major storylines in her time on the soap, including one where she battled a brain tumour. Her exit is just the latest departure from the soap which has lost a slew of stars since the beginning of the year.