We’re all looking forward to seeing what happens next for the characters in Emmerdale in 2025, but who is leaving this year? There have already been big changes to the cast, including three deaths.
However, it’s not just about saying goodbye. The next year will bring exciting new characters to the village and possibly the return of some familiar faces, after the surprising return of Joe Tate. Here’s the information on who is coming and going in 2025.
Suzy Merton
In February 2025, Suzy Merton was written out of the show in a dramatic scene. She was in a limo with several other villagers for a girls’ night when it crashed. The driver, Charity Dingle, swerved to avoid hitting Noah, who had stumbled onto the road. The limo then slid onto an icy lake, and slowly started falling through the ice.
Suzy died instantly upon impact and remained in the limo as it sank to the bottom of the lake.
Martelle Edinborough, the actress who played Suzy, confirmed her departure from the soap with a message to her followers on social media platform X. She wrote:
What Happens next for the characters in Emmerdale in 2025? Who is Leaving the Show?“And just like that….Suzy is no more and a new chapter begins!! What an ep!
“It’s been such a blessing to have been a part of such an iconic show that I grew up on and loved by so many!!”
Leyla Harding
In October, it was reported that actress Roxy Shahidi had chosen not to renew her contract. She wanted to explore other opportunities. According to The Sun, a source said: “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.”
This became reality after the limo crash. Leyla was impaled with glass in her side and was bleeding heavily. She barely made it out of the limo, and Kerry and Vanessa had to drag her to safety. Although she was rushed to the hospital, she was declared dead due to losing too much blood.
Leyla first appeared in Emmerdale in 2008, left in 2011, and returned briefly in 2014 before coming back permanently. She was part of several key storylines, including her relationships with David Metcalfe and Liam Cavanagh, and the revelation that she was Jacob Gallagher’s biological mother.
Who else is leaving Emmerdale?
Ella Forster
Actress Paula Lane is leaving Emmerdale after only one year. Her character, Ella Forster, came to the village in January 2024 but will not stay long. The news of her departure was shared on Paula’s talent Spotlight page, which links to her Instagram bio. It stated that Paula will finish filming in February 2025, so Ella will likely leave in the spring.
Ella’s time in the village has been filled with drama. Fans were excited to see Paula back on screen after her time on Coronation Street. Over the past year, Ella formed a close friendship with Mandy Dingle and began a romance with Dr. Liam Cavanagh.
What Happens next for the characters in Emmerdale in 2025? Who is Leaving the Show?However, it was revealed that Ella had killed her childhood best friend when she was 11 years old. This caused her to be briefly ostracized by the villagers. She hoped for a fresh start after discovering she was pregnant with Liam’s baby, but her hopes were dashed when she had a miscarriage and Liam reunited with Chas Dingle.
Since losing Liam, Ella’s behavior became more obsessive and unsettling. Fans have speculated that she may return to her darker side. Will Ella commit another murder and end up in prison?
Brenda Walker
Brenda Walker, who has been part of Emmerdale for 16 years, is rumored to be leaving the soap in 2025. Although this has not been officially confirmed, it was revealed in a recent article from The Mirror.
A source said: “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.”
“The show has grown a lot bigger in recent years but soaps are expensive to make. It’s inevitable saving money means losing people.”
Emmerdale did not comment when contacted about Lesley’s rumored exit, and no details have been released about how her character might leave.
Brenda first appeared in the village in April 2008 and has been in nearly 1500 episodes. She co-owns Café Main Street and is a beloved character. After a short marriage to Bob Hope, Brenda found happiness with Eric Pollard. Eric, who has Parkinson’s, is Emmerdale’s longest-standing character, played by Chris Chittell, who is also Lesley’s real-life husband.
Brenda has been there for Eric, especially as he dealt with his diagnosis, and was thrilled when he proposed. However, their relationship and upcoming wedding ended after Brenda discovered Eric had lost all of her savings in a cryptocurrency scam.
Now, with no money left, it remains to be seen what will make Brenda leave the Dales.
What Happens next for the characters in Emmerdale in 2025? Who is Leaving the Show?Who’s joining Emmerdale in 2025?
Emmerdale has not yet announced any new permanent cast members for 2025. However, with the wedding planning business losing two staff members, it seems like they could use some fresh faces to join the team.
There has been a lot of speculation among fans about which former characters might return in 2025.
Pete Barton is at the top of the list. His return would fit perfectly, especially since his brother Ross has recently come back to the village. The Barton brothers were once involved in a messy love triangle with Debbie Dingle. After things calmed down, Pete left the village in 2020 to join Ross in Liverpool. Could they be about to reunite?
Another big return that Emmerdale fans are hoping for is Robert Sugden, Aaron’s soulmate. There’s still a lot of unfinished business between them, and many fans would love to see Robert and his half-brother John face off for the man they both love.