Emmerdale fans are in for some big changes in the coming weeks, as several beloved characters will be leaving the ITV soap.
While the show is known for keeping tight-lipped about future storylines and cast contracts, recent reports and leaks have revealed which actors are preparing to exit the Dales.
Whether these departures are due to short-term storylines coming to a close or long-term cast members making their exit, viewers are sure to be left in suspense.
Here’s everything we know about the upcoming cast changes in Emmerdale:
Nicholas Day (Anthony Fox)
One of the most recent cast departures is that of Nicholas Day, who has portrayed the villainous Anthony Fox since November 2023.
His character made quite an impact, especially after the dark truth about his past was revealed to the audience. Anthony’s crimes, including his sexual abuse of his daughter Ruby Fox-Miligan (Beth Cordingly), were shocking and led to a string of dramatic storylines.
It’s no surprise that Anthony’s time on the show was always intended to be brief, with his role as a temporary guest character coming to a tragic conclusion this week. In upcoming episodes, Anthony will be found dead by one of the villagers, and his murder will set off a new wave of drama. As of now, several characters are under suspicion, including Ruby, Caleb Miligan (William Ash), Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley), Chas Dingle (Lucy Pargeter), Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller), Nicola King (Nicola Wheeler), and Laurel Thomas (Charlotte Bellamy). Each of these characters has a potential motive for wanting Anthony gone, and viewers are eagerly awaiting the reveal of his killer.
Lesley Dunlop (Brenda Walker)
Lesley Dunlop’s departure from Emmerdale has been widely reported, with the actress set to leave the soap after 16 years in her role as Brenda Walker. Brenda’s exit storyline began to unfold in heartbreaking fashion as she faced a painful split from her partner Eric Pollard (Chris Chittell) after he lost all of their life savings in a risky cryptocurrency investment.
Though Emmerdale has yet to officially confirm the reasons behind Lesley’s departure, there has been speculation that budget cuts at ITV may have contributed to the decision. Both Emmerdale and Coronation Street are reportedly trimming down their cast numbers to make the shows more cost-effective, which may explain why Lesley’s long-running character is being written out. As Brenda deals with the fallout from her personal life, fans are now wondering how her story will come to a close.
Roxy Shahidi (Leyla Harding)
Another actress who will soon be saying goodbye to the Dales is Roxy Shahidi, who has portrayed Leyla Harding on and off since 2008. Roxy’s departure was leaked in October 2024, with reports suggesting that her character could meet a tragic end in an upcoming storyline.
Leyla’s journey on Emmerdale has been full of drama, from her tumultuous relationships to her struggles with addiction and personal demons. Fans are now speculating that Leyla may not survive the dramatic stunt plot slated to air in February 2025. While there has been no official comment from the show, the timing of the dramatic events suggests that Leyla’s fate may soon be sealed, leaving fans on tenterhooks.
Paula Lane (Ella Forster)
Finally, Paula Lane, known for her role as Ella Forster, has also announced her departure from Emmerdale. Paula’s official Spotlight page confirms that she will only be filming with the show until February 2025, meaning that her character’s exit is likely to take place in March or April of the same year.
Ella’s arrival in Emmerdale earlier this year marked the beginning of a dark storyline, as her troubled past became a central focus. Now, as her time on the show draws to a close, viewers are wondering what will become of Ella and whether her exit will be tied to her dark secrets. While Paula Lane’s departure is still relatively fresh, it’s clear that Ella’s story will end with a bang, adding another layer of drama to Emmerdale’s ever-changing landscape.
Emmerdale fans are in for a whirlwind as several familiar faces prepare to leave the show. From the shocking death of Anthony Fox to the emotional farewells of long-standing characters like Brenda Walker and Leyla Harding, the upcoming weeks are sure to be packed with twists and surprises. As always, Emmerdale keeps its viewers guessing, and these cast changes are sure to leave a lasting impact on the Dales.
With new characters coming in to fill the void left by these departures, the future of Emmerdale promises to be as dramatic and captivating as ever. Fans will just have to wait and see how these stories unfold and which characters will remain standing by the end of it all.
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