Emmerdale actress Susan Cookson has reportedly been axed from her Wendy Posner role after five years – and has already filmed her final scenes.
Susan, 59, joined the ITV soap in 2019 as nurse Wendy, who arrived in the village to seek answers from Victoria Sugden (Isabel Hodgins), who was pregnant with her grandchild.
Viewers will remember that the character’s eldest son Lee (Kris Mochrie) had raped Victoria and was in a coma after being attacked by her brother Robert (Ryan Hawley).
She later began working at the local surgery, and then became settled in the area with new partner Bob Hope (Tony Audenshaw).
Susan previously had roles in Casualty, Doctors and Coronation Street – and is said to be ‘devastated’ by soap bosses’ decision to let her go.
‘She loves the show and loves being part of it’ a source told The Sun.
‘She’s really well liked in the cast but unfortunately budget cuts mean hard decisions need to be made and that resulted in Susan being one of a number of cast leaving.
‘ITV is going through a cash crisis with the soaps and the money just isn’t there to pay for everyone any more.
Dan and Wendy talk in The Woolpack in Emmerdale
Wendy kneels in front of boyfriend Bob, who is in a state of despair in Emmerdale
She later settled down with Bob Hope (Picture: ITV)
They continued: ‘Ultimately if the character isn’t inspiring a lot of story from producers then there’s no space for them in the show anymore.
‘There’s certainly a worry on set about who will be next to go.
‘The door is very much being left open for Susan in future and it’s hoped that one day she could return to se her grandson Harry.’
The actress is the latest in a long line of Emmerdale stars who are set to depart in coming months.
Lesley Dunlop, who plays Brenda Walker, and Roxy Shahidi, who appears as Leyla Harding are exiting after 17 and 14 years.
Wendy and Liam have a chat in Emmerdale village
Susan is said to be ‘devastated’ by the decision (Picture: ITV)
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They’re joined by Paula Lane, who joined the show as Ella Forster earlier this year.
Over Christmas, Dean Andrews bowed out as Will Taylor following a five year stint. The character suffered a fatal heart attack and slumped to the floor in front of wife Kim Tate (Claire King) and returnee Joe Tate (Ned Porteous).
Daisy Campbell’s Amelia Spencer also left after 13 years, with the imprisonment of abusive boyfriend Tom King (James Chase) sparking her exit.
