EMMERDALE have aired a double exit shock – with a legendary star bowing out after 16 years.

Late last year, viewers learned Lesley Dunlop – who plays Brenda Walker – would be leaving the ITV soap.

Brenda’s exit has now seemingly played out, departing the village for a three month cruise.

She won the tickets through a magazine competition and has brought Cathy Hope (Gabrielle Dowling) along with her.

The pair bid farewell to the likes of Brenda’s ex Pollard (Chris Chittell), and Cathy’s dad Bob (Tony Audenshaw).

Earlier in the episode, Brenda considered staying having heard Pollard – who has Parkinson’s – had suffered a fall.

However, he told her: “Even after everything I’ve put you through, you remain utterly devoted to me.

“Despite the fact we’re no longer together, you would still sacrifice all that.

“I can’t let you do that. I will not allow it. You have to go.”

Pollard added: “I love you, Brenda. And that’s why I’ll never hold you back. This is your time now. I’ll be fine, certainly for a few months.”

Meanwhile, Brenda also stopped by Heath’s grave to say goodbye before leaving.

She was joined by ex-husband Bob, who promised to put flowers on Gennie’s grave for her.

Regarding actress Lesley’s exit, a source previously told The Mirror: “There have been so many exits recently and the talk is of more.

“With people like Lesley and Roxy [Shahidi] 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.”

It follows Paula Lane’s exit as troubled Ella Forster in Thursday’s episode.

Some fans were disappointed with how Ella was written out, with one penning online: “There was so much potential for Ella as a character as well! Awful writing.”

Another remarked: “Ella’s exit has p**** me the f**k off cuz the whole story was that she wanted to change her life around after committing a crime as a child and now they have gone full circle and said actually criminals can’t change their lives around what a waste.”

Emmerdale continues on ITV1 and ITVX.