Emmerdale hints at Brenda Walker’s long-term future away from the village in Thursday’s episode.

The long-running character is about to bow out from the show for good, as Lesley Dunlop is leaving the cast after 17 years.

Over the past fortnight, Emmerdale has been paving the way for Brenda’s departure with the big news that she has won a three-month cruise in a magazine competition.

After some initial doubts over whether to claim the prize, Brenda ultimately decided to sail the seas with her former stepdaughter Cathy Hope as her plus-one.

While the trip won’t last forever, Thursday’s episode drops some early potential hints about why Brenda won’t be back in the village once it’s over.

During a visit to the local shop, Brenda chats to Jacob Gallagher about how she’s been texting her 12-year-old granddaughter Molly, who lives in Canada.

Brenda reveals that she’ll be stopping off to see Molly in Toronto as part of the cruise, but Jacob suggests that she should consider a more permanent move there beyond that.

He says: “When the cruise ends, you could always go back. Stay as long as you like.”

Brenda scoffs at the idea of leaving the village indefinitely, believing that her ex-partner Eric Pollard needs her support following his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis.

Jacob insists: “I’ll be here to look after him. It’s not down to you. You’re not a couple anymore, Brenda. You’re a free agent – you can travel more, spend time with Molly, whatever you want.

“I just wish I’d told my mum that. I was the only thing keeping her here. She should have lived more, while she still had the chance.”

Will Brenda ultimately take Jacob’s advice?

News of Lesley Dunlop’s permanent departure from Emmerdale was first reported in November last year.

It’s since been revealed that Gabrielle Dowling, who plays Cathy, is taking a short break to focus on her A-level exams.

Emmerdale fans can see Brenda and Jacob’s scene tonight at 7.30pm on ITV1, or right now on ITVX.