Emmerdale 'in turmoil' as iconic star exits the soap after 16 years and others 'fear they could be AXED as bosses plan to cut the cast by 10%' Have YOU got a story? Email [email protected] By RUTH FRANCIS FOR MAILONLINE Published: 01:03, 9 November 2024 | Updated: 01:12, 9 November 2024 e-mail 3 View comments An iconic Emmerdale star is set to leave the show after 16 years, sparking fears among the cast that they could be axed in a huge cull. Lesley Dunlop, 68, has played the role of Brenda Walker, on the ITV soap opera since 2008, but is set to leave in the coming months.
Her departure follows the announcement that Roxy Shahidi, who plays Leyla Harding, will also be leaving, with bosses planning to kill her off in dramatic fashion. The exit of two major characters is said to have unsettled the Emmerdale cast, with many worried who is next, following the rumours that ITV executives are planning to reduce the cast by 10%. A source told The Mirror : '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. Emmerdale star Lesley Dunlop is set to leave the soap after 16 years, sparking fears among the cast that they could be axed in a huge cull '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.
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