An iconic Emmerdale star is set to leave the show after 16 years, sparking fears among the cast that they could be axed in a huge cull.

Lesley Dunlop, 68, has played the role of Brenda Walker, on the ITV soap opera since 2008, but is set to leave in the coming months.

Her departure follows the announcement that Roxy Shahidi, who plays Leyla Harding, will also be leaving, with bosses planning to kill her off in dramatic fashion.

The exit of two major characters is said to have unsettled the Emmerdale cast, with many worried who is next, following the rumours that ITV executives are planning to reduce the cast by 10%.  

A source told The Mirror: ‘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.

Emmerdale star Lesley Dunlop is set to leave the soap after 16 years, sparking fears among the cast that they could be axed in a huge cull

‘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.’

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Currently, 60 actors are regulars on the show, but bosses are said to be exploring ways to cut costs.

Many cast members, especially longtime players, are now concerned for their roles, with one insider revealing that for some, the job stability is essential.

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.’

MailOnline have contacted ITV for a comment.  

Roxy’s exit was announced a few weeks ago – following a big storyline where she was targeted by a stalker and kidnapped in shocking scenes. 

It is now thought her character will be killed off. 

A source told The Sun: ‘Roxy has adored her time on the soap and has made so many happy memories since first joining when she was 17.

Her departure follows the announcement that Roxy Shahidi, who plays Leyla Harding, will also be leaving, with bosses planning to kill her off in dramatic fashion 

The exit of two major characters is said to have unsettled the Emmerdale cast with many worried about who is next

‘The cast have become like family to her and she has grown so much as an actress, but now feels like the perfect time to spread her wings and try something new.

‘She is really excited about her meaty exit storyline, which will see her character Leyla die on screen. She’d rather go out in a blaze of glory and be remembered.’

Over the years Roxy’s alter ego has briefly worked as a pole dancer but now has a career as an events planner.

Some of her most prominent storylines include becoming a drug addict and being sH๏τ by the villainous Meena Jutla (Paige Sandhu).

The character was married to Liam Cavanagh (Jonny McPherson) from 2021 until 2023, but the relationship ended when he was unfaithful.

Roxy’s character is the biological mother of Jacob Gallagher (Joe-Warren Plant), but this was not revealed until 2010 as he had previously been adopted

Emmerdale currently attracts around four million viewers per episode with more thought to watch later on catch-up.  

In 1993, it garnered it’s largest-ever audience, when 18 million viewers tuned in to watch a plane crash into the Yorkshire village.