Emmerdale bids farewell to Brenda Walker as actress Lesley Dunlop exits

Emmerdale bids farewell to Brenda Walker as actress Lesley Dunlop exits
Kenton Haggard 7 Oct 2025 0 Comments

When Brenda Walker, the long‑standing matriarch of Emmerdale, stepped off the screen in Episode 10259 on 4 April 2025, fans instantly wondered if they’d ever see her back in the village.

The emotional goodbye was delivered by Lesley Dunlop, who has inhabited the role since 2 April 2008. In the episode, Brenda and former stepdaughter Cathy Hope embarked on a three‑month round‑the‑world cruise they won in a magazine competition – a plot twist that now hints at a permanent move.

Background: A 17‑year run

Brenda first entered the soap as the adoptive mother of Gennie Walker (played by Sian Reese‑Williams). Over the years she became known for her "fun‑loving, bubbly" demeanor, her love of hats, and her habit of dropping one‑liners that left neighbours speechless.

One of her most memorable arcs arrived in 2013, when the character was diagnosed with a brain tumour. That storyline forced Brenda to re‑evaluate what truly mattered – "family, friendship, love, honesty and humour" – and cemented her place as a fixture in the community.

Exit storyline: The cruise that may not end

Leading up to the departure, writers dropped subtle clues. In the two weeks before 4 April, Brenda hesitated over the prize, eventually deciding to travel with Cathy. The itinerary lists a stop in Toronto to see her 12‑year‑old granddaughter Molly, who lives in Canada.

During a shop‑floor chat with Jacob Gallagher, Brenda confided that the cruise will be "a chance to reconnect with family". Jacob, ever‑the pragmatic youngster, suggested she might consider a permanent move: "Why not make Canada home? You could be there for Molly all the time." The camera lingered on Brenda’s thoughtful stare, signalling that the story may end with her staying abroad.

The episode also aired on ITVX before its broadcast on ITV1, giving die‑hard fans an early glimpse of the farewell.

Reactions from the cast and fans

Co‑star Mark Charnock (who plays Marlon Dingle) called Brenda "the heart of the village", adding, "She made us all smile, and her absence will be felt for months." Social media lit up with #GoodbyeBrenda trending at #34, and IMDb listed her 17‑year tenure as "one of the longest‑running female characters in British soaps".

Fans shared nostalgic clips of Brenda’s iconic hat moments, tallying over 1.2 million views across YouTube in the first 24 hours after the episode aired.

Impact on Emmerdale’s narrative landscape

Brenda’s exit removes a key connective tissue. She was a regular at the local café, a confidante for a spectrum of residents, and a bridge between the older and younger generations. Story‑editors confirmed that upcoming plots will lean on younger characters like Jacob and newly‑introduced newcomer Aisha Patel to fill the void.

In terms of ratings, Emmerdale’s viewership dipped from an average 5.4 million to 4.9 million for the episode, a 9 % decline that analysts attribute partially to the emotional weight of losing a beloved figure.

What’s next for Lesley Dunlop?

What’s next for Lesley Dunlop?

Lesley announced her departure on 8 November 2024 via a heartfelt Instagram post, thanking the crew and promising "new adventures". Industry sources hint she may join a BBC drama series slated for 2026, but no official confirmation has emerged.

Meanwhile, the production team has hinted at a possible guest appearance in a future special, perhaps on a holiday episode where a former character returns for a one‑off cameo. The door isn’t completely closed.

Historical context: Long‑running soaps and character exits

British soaps have a tradition of bidding farewell to long‑standing characters – think Coronation Street's Deirdre Barlow (1995) or EastEnders's Dot Cotton (2020). Typically, writers embed a hint of permanence, often through overseas moves or deaths. Brenda’s cruise mirrors that pattern, but with a softer, hopeful note of family reunion.

  • 2008 – Brenda Walker first appears (Episode 4953).
  • 2013 – Brain tumour storyline captures national attention.
  • Nov 2024 – Official exit announcement.
  • 4 Apr 2025 – Final on‑screen appearance (Episode 10259).
  • Future – Possible cameo or guest return.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Brenda Walker unlikely to return after the cruise?

The script positions her stop in Toronto to see granddaughter Molly as a potential gateway to permanent relocation. Jacob Gallagher explicitly suggests she settle in Canada, and the narrative only promises that one of the two travelers will come back.

How did fans react to Lesley Dunlop’s exit?

Social media erupted with nostalgia, ranking #34 on Twitter’s trending list. Over 1.2 million YouTube views of Brenda’s best moments were recorded within a day, and many fans posted tributes highlighting her humor and generosity.

What major storylines defined Brenda Walker’s time on Emmerdale?

Her adoption of Gennie Walker, the 2013 brain tumour diagnosis, and her involvement with the village café and local community events stand out. Each arc reinforced her role as a caring, "fun‑loving" pillar of the village.

Will Lesley Dunlop appear again on Emmerdale?

Producers have left the door ajar for a special cameo, perhaps during a holiday episode. No concrete plans have been announced, but the show's history of occasional returns makes it plausible.

How does Brenda’s exit affect the show’s ratings?

The episode that aired Brenda’s farewell drew 4.9 million viewers, down from the series average of 5.4 million. Analysts attribute part of the dip to the emotional weight of losing a beloved regular.