Emmerdale favourite Brenda Walker (Lesley Dunlop) has left the village after 17 years – but will she be back?

It was first reported in November that the 69-year-old actor would soon be departing.

Like most soap characters she’s faced a number of challenges during her time in the Dales – from her turbulent relationship with Eric Pollard (played by husband Chris Chittell) to overcoming a brain tumour diagnosis, and losing her adoptive daughter Gennie (Sian-Reese Williams).

Last week, Brenda was stunned to learn that she had won a three month cruise in a competition from a magazine, though told her pal Nicola King (Nicola Wheeler) that she wouldn’t be accepting the prize.

Sneaky Nicola decided she could bag the tickets for herself, which forced Brenda to accept it –  with her deciding to take Cathy Hope (Gabrielle Dowling) with her.

But is this the last we’ve seen of Brenda, and what about Cathy?

Has Brenda left Emmerdale for good?

In tonight’s episode, Brenda heard on the grape vine that Pollard had suffered a fall, which made her concerned to leave him behind.

A broken Eric told her to depart, and that he’d be ok. Even though it was devastating to let his ex go, it was the right thing to do.

Some viewers may be questioning why the goodbyes offered to Brenda seemed tough, given the cruise is only for three months.

Lesley Dunlop has left Emmerdale permanently, and we’ll probably learn further down the line that she’s continuing to sail the seas.

Has Cathy Hope left Emmerdale for good?

19-year old Gabrielle Dowling has also left the soap.

Recent storylines have included Cathy coming to terms with a PMDD diagnosis, and also dealing with the horrific death of twin brother Heath, played by Gabrielle’s brother Sebastian, who passed away following a car accident.

Metro understands that the star is just taking a short break, and will return down the line.

Last month, the actress decided to pursue different projects when she was spotted at Crufts with her chocolate working cocker spaniel, Fizz.