Lesley Dunlop is set to leave Emmerdale , and the show is about to start laying the groundwork for her exit amid fan theories she'll be killed off . The star plays Brenda Walker in the soap, and is just one of the recent wave of departures. Lesley, 69, joined the ITV show as Brenda in 2008, after roles in series such as Doctor Who and Hetty Wainthropp Investigates. The beloved actress has had some major storylines in Emmerdale, first being introduced as Gennie Walker’s adoptive mother. In one of her most emotional moments, Lesley played Brenda as the character was diagnosed with a brain tumour, and even shaved her head in real life for the role. Now, however, her final episodes are set to begin rolling out after the end of her 16-year stint on the show was announced in November . In upcoming scenes, Brenda will find her cruise tickets the hottest item in the village after Nicola tries to get her hands on them for herself and Jimmy. Brenda reveals that she’s going on the cruise ship herself, so Nicola instead attempts to secure the holiday by ditching Jimmy and offering herself up as Brenda’s plus one, according to The Sun . Jimmy soon realises that he’s been ditched, and shares the news with Brenda’s ex Pollard, suggesting that he should use the cruise as a chance to get back in her good books - but it’s unclear whether Brenda will simply sail into the sunset herself. Eric Pollard is played by Chris Chittell , who’s married to Lesley in real life . The duo tied the knot in 2016 after respective divorces, and there’s no hint that the couple will be leaving the show together. Back in November, it was revealed that while Chris seems to be staying, Lesley won’t be leaving the show alone - with fellow favourite Roxy Shahidi , 41, who plays Leyla Harding, also set to leave. The news comes amid a huge slew of axings and budget cuts on Emmerdale , with insiders claiming that ITV executives would like to see the overall cast reduced by around 10%. Currently, 60 individual actors are classed as regulars on the show. A source shared that the stars of the show are scared, describing: “There have been so many exits recently and the talk is of more. With people like Lesley and Roxy potentially in the mix, nobody feels safe. “The show has grown a lot bigger in recent years but soaps are expensive to make. It’s inevitable saving money means losing people – but it’s a huge shame all the same for those involved, their friends and colleagues.” A number of cast members are said to be “extremely anxious” about potentially being written out. One said: “Many people who have been there a long time are totally reliant on their income staying as it is. It’s a very worrying time.” Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .