Emmerdale fans it is time to get your tissues ready as there are going to be lots of emotional goodbyes.
At the start of 2025, there have been many reports of acting stars leaving the soap which will mean saying farewell to long-established characters in the ITV soap. In the last month, we have seen Daisy Campbell’s character Amelia Spencer leave the village while over Christmas Will Taylor, played by Dean Andrews, was killed off.
As we’ve previously reported, ITV appears to be appraising what the future holds for historic soap operas Emmerdale and rival Coronation Street. A source said: “ITV is going through a cash crisis with the soaps and the money just isn’t there to pay for everyone any more.
“Ultimately if the character isn’t inspiring a lot of story from producers then there’s no space for them in the show anymore. There’s certainly a worry on set about who will be next to go.”
They added: “It’s a really worrying time for a lot of cast and crew on the soaps – they don’t know if they’re going to have jobs after their current contracts end. Soaps used to be steady employment for people in the industry but it’s not that way anymore.”
Below are the stars we expected to leave in the coming weeks and months.
Paula Lane
Former Coronation Street Paula Lane joined Emmerdale in 2024
(Image: ITV)
Paula Lane, who plays Ella Forster, will soon leave the ITV soap. During her brief stint on Emmerdale, Paula’s character has had a whirlwind storyline, from her arrival as the fiery receptionist Ella Forster to becoming friends with Mandy Dingle (Lisa Reilly) and falling for Dr Liam Cavanagh (Jonny McPherson).
There was then the shock of discovering Ella was responsible for the death of a childhood friend. It is expected the character will leave the village in the spring.
The Sun report Emmerdale bosses decided to axe the character. A source said: “The days of characters coming in in low profile ways and being bedded in for a year or two are long gone.
“Newcomers need to make an instant impact with secrets and mysteries but they don’t always work. It’s brutal but it’s how things in telly work now.”
Before joining the cast of Emmerdale, in 2023, Paula appeared in Call The Midwife as well as ITV’s medical drama The Royal and Heartbeat. Paula is arguably best-known for playing Kylie Platt in fellow ITV soap Coronation Street.
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Roxy Shahidi
Emmerdale actress Roxy Shahidi
(Image: Dave Nelson)
Emmerdale’s Roxy Shahidi is departing the popular soap after a 17-year stint. Roxy, who portrays Leyla Harding, has been keen to ‘spread her wings’. It thought her character might be killed off in what are sure to be traumatic scenes.
We’ll bring you any further news when we know more.
Susan Cookson
Emmerdale star Susan Cookson
(Image: David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock)
The Sun reports, after seven years Susan Cookson has filmed her final scenes as Wendy Posner. A source said: “ Susan was devastated at the decision. She loves the show and loves being part of it.
“She’s really well liked in the cast but unfortunately budget cuts mean hard decisions need to be made and that resulted in Susan being one of a number of the cast leaving.”
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Lesley Dunlop
Lesley Dunlop attends the National Television Awards 2018 at The O2 Arena on January 23, 2018 in London.
(Image: Mike Marsland/WireImage)
Emmerdale stalwart Lesley Dunlop, known for her portrayal of Brenda Walker, is set to bid farewell to the soap after a 17-year stint. Lesley, 68, who is married to fellow Emmerdale actor Chris Chittell, has been involved in significant storylines, including one where Brenda overcame a brain tumour.
As always, we’ll keep you posted on the latest Emmerdale cast comings and goings.
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