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%’
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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 massive slaughter.
Lesley Dunlop, 68, has played Brenda Walker in the ITV soap 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 departure of two main characters is said to have left the Emmerdale cast in disarray, with many concerned about who is next, following rumors that ITV executives are planning to cut the cast by 10%.
A source said The mirror: ‘There have been so many exits lately and there is talk of more. With people like Lesley and Roxy possibly in the mix, no one 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 massive slaughter
‘The show has become a lot bigger in recent years, but soaps are expensive to make. Inevitably, saving money means losing people – but it is still a huge shame for those involved, their friends and colleagues.’
Currently 60 actors are regulars on the show, but bosses are said to be exploring ways to cut costs.
Many cast members, especially long-time players, are now worried about their roles, with an insider revealing that for some, job stability is essential.
One said: ‘Many long-term residents are completely dependent on their income remaining as it is. It is a very worrying time.”
MailOnline has contacted ITV for comment.
Roxy’s departure was announced a few weeks ago – after a major storyline that saw her targeted by a stalker and kidnapped in shocking scenes.
It is now thought that her character will be killed off.
A source said The sun: ‘Roxy has loved her time on the soap and has made so many wonderful memories since she first joined when she was 17.
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 departure of two main characters is said to have left the Emmerdale cast unsettled, with many worried about who is next
“The cast has become like family to her and she has grown tremendously as an actress, but now feels like the perfect time to spread her wings and try something new.
‘She’s very excited about her meaty exit storyline, which will see her character Leyla die on-screen. She would rather go out in a blaze of glory and be remembered.”
Roxy’s alter ego has briefly worked as a pole dancer over the years, but now has a career as an event planner.
Some of her most prominent storylines include becoming a drug addict and being shot by the evil Meena Jutla (Paige Sandhu).
The character was married to Liam Cavanagh (Jonny McPherson) from 2021 to 2023, but the relationship ended when he was unfaithful.
Roxy’s character is the biological mother of Jacob Gallagher (Joe-Warren Plant), but this was not revealed until 2010 as he had previously been adopted.
Emmerdale currently attracts around four million viewers per episode, with more to be viewed later.
In 1993 the film attracted its largest audience ever, when 18 million viewers tuned in to watch a plane crash in the Yorkshire village.