Emmerdale 'reveals' Brenda's exit date after 16 years - and it's not a happy ending

Emmerdale has appeared to confirm when Brenda Walker leaves the village - and it’s bad news for Eric Pollard.

Brenda (Lesley Dunlop) has been a staple on the ITV soap playing 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. And 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 Dunlop has left Emmerdale, after 16 years.

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Over in the soap at the moment, Brenda recently got engaged to Eric. The pair soon started planning their wedding, with Eric telling Brenda that he'd love them to get married at Christmas.

At first, Brenda was shocked by the sudden suggestion, but was delighted when Eric later bought her an engagement ring.

During Friday’s episode though (November 29), Eric revealed that their wedding is no longer happening at Christmas. Instead, it will take place in January, followed by a honeymoon on a cruise.

Could this be a hint as to when Brenda will say her goodbyes to the soap? Fans are already fearing the worst when it comes to how her character leaves the Dales.

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 storylines so can't blame her for wanting to leave.”

Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1 and ITVX at 7.30pm

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