Emmerdale fans will be gutted as they have to prepare for a slew of farewells are on the horizon. As 2025 begins, numerous reports have surfaced about beloved actors departing the ITV soap, resulting in the exit of long-time characters.
Recently, fans bid adieu to Daisy Campbell's Amelia Spencer, while Dean Andrews' Will Taylor met a tragic demise over the Christmas period.
As previously mentioned, ITV is reassessing the future of its iconic soaps, Emmerdale and Coronation Street, amidst financial constraints. A source revealed: "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."
The insider 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.", reports Leeds Live.
Here are the stars expected to depart in the coming weeks and months:
Paula Lane
Paula Lane, famed for her portrayal of Ella Forster, is set to bid farewell to the ITV soap Emmerdale. Her character has been through a rollercoaster of events, from her dramatic entrance as the feisty receptionist Ella Forster to forging a friendship with Mandy Dingle (played by Lisa Reilly) and developing feelings for Dr Liam Cavanagh (portrayed by Jonny McPherson).
The plot took a shocking turn when it was revealed that Ella was behind the death of a childhood friend. The character is anticipated to exit the village come spring.
Don't miss...
Emmerdale star 'axed' in mass cast cull as emotional final scenes to air soon [LATEST]
Emmerdale star swipes at ITV bosses as he confirms brutal axe is permanent [REACTION ]
Emmerdale 'confirms' April’s kidnapper - and it’s someone fans know [SPOILERS]
According to The Sun, Emmerdale chiefs have made the decision to cut the character from the show. An insider commented: "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."
Prior to her 2023 stint on Emmerdale, Paula graced the screen in Call The Midwife, and also featured in ITV's The Royal and Heartbeat. However, she is perhaps most recognised for her role as Kylie Platt in Coronation Street, another ITV hit.
Roxy Shahidi
In other news, Roxy Shahidi is also leaving Emmerdale after an impressive 17 years. Roxy, who plays Leyla Harding, is looking to explore new opportunities.
Speculation is rife that her character may face a grim end in what promises to be heart-wrenching episodes, with some fans convinced that her son Jacob Gallagher could play a hand in it.
Shahidi's exit follows a busy year for the ITV star, as she also made appearances on Dancing on Ice and ITV's reality series Drama Queens.
Susan Cookson
After a seven-year stint, Susan Cookson has reportedly filmed her last scenes as Wendy Posner in Emmerdale, according to The Sun. An insider revealed: " Susan was devastated at the decision. She loves the show and loves being part of it."
They added, "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."
Lesley Dunlop
Emmerdale veteran Lesley Dunlop, who is recognised for her role as Brenda Walker, is preparing to say goodbye to the soap after an impressive 17-year run.
The 68 year old actress, married to fellow Emmerdale star Chris Chittell, has been involved in major storylines, including one where Brenda battled a brain tumour.
Emmerdale airs weekdays at 7.30pm on ITV1.
