Emmerdale confirms villager exit after two-month absence and say 'not coming back'

The ITV soap confirmed that Brenda Walker won't be coming back after her three-month cruise

Emmerdale have confirmed that a villager will not be returning to the Dales following a two-month absence from the ITV soap.

Brenda Walker left Emmerdale back in early April after finding out that she had won a magazine competition for an around the world cruise.

She didn't go alone, however, as she took Cathy Hope with her for the three-month trip.

While there was speculation that actress Lesley Dunlop would be leaving for good after 16 years in the Dales, Emmerdale confirmed that she won't be returning after her cruise during Wednesday's (11th June) episode.

Shortly before her exit, Brenda was in a relationship with Eric Pollard. However, the pair broke apart and as Pollard celebrated his birthday, he received the news.

As he saved the letter from Brenda for later, Kerry enquired what she had said. A heartbroken Pollard responded: "She’s not coming back,

"She’s rediscovered herself. A new lease of life and unfortunately I’m not included in it.

"And who can blame her with the way that I’ve treated her so badly? Thank you Brenda for letting me know on my birthday."

He added: “I don’t know why I’m so upset. Having gambled away her lifesavings, I was hoping she would come back refreshed and we’d star a new chapter in our lives. Alas, not to be.

"I just hope that she finds happiness, she deserves it. I don’t know why it is that I always find a way to get rid of the ones I really care for. I’m afraid I’m a little bit too old for any change."

Viewers may recall that Pollard drained Brenda's life-savings by using them in a failed cryptocurrency venture. Having lost all of her money, Pollard quickly realised that he had no way of paying her back, and their relationship was over.

Since her departure, fans have become worried for Pollard as his health has started to deteriorate due to his diagnosis of Parkinson's disease.

After a nasty fall while on his own, Kerry has tried to persuade him to let a carer look after him, but he felt patronised by Sophie who came for a trial shift.

Emmerdale airs on weekdays at 7:30pm on ITV1 and is available to stream on ITVX.