EMMERDALE has confirmed a beloved character WON’T be returning to the village after her shock exit.

The ITV soap dropped the bombshell tonight that the long-running character will not be returning after their holiday.

Brenda Walker left the village earlier this year after winning a round the world cruise.

She took stepdaughter Cathy Hope with her and as far as anyone in the village knew, she would be returning after three months.

However, in today’s episode, Eric received a letter from Brenda with some bombshell news.

With Eric celebrating his birthday with grandson Jacob and carer Kerry, he got the post and saved the letter for later.

Kerry asked him what Brenda had to say.

“She’s not coming back,” Eric told her.

“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.”

Actress Lesley Dunlop quit the soap earlier this year after 16 years on the show.

The Sun revealed how after leaving the show, Lesley landed a new role in a major drama.