In a bittersweet turn of events on Emmerdale, viewers were left both teary-eyed and deeply confused as beloved character Brenda Walker, portrayed by Lesley Dunlop, appeared to bid farewell to the Dales. Friday night’s emotional scenes showed Brenda preparing to embark on a three-month cruise with Cathy Hope (played by Gabrielle Dowling), but the episode left many fans wondering: is Brenda really just going on holiday—or is this the end of the road?

Brenda’s departure, though framed as temporary within the storyline, carried undertones of finality. Multiple characters, including Brenda herself, repeatedly emphasized that it was “just for three months.” Jacob Gallagher even encouraged her to spread her wings post-breakup with Eric Pollard, noting she was a “free agent” and could travel anywhere. Talks about visiting her granddaughter Molly in Canada added to the sense that Brenda might not return.

But while the characters treated it like a short getaway, sharp-eyed fans recalled earlier reports stating that actress Lesley Dunlop was being written out of the soap for good. Meanwhile, Cathy’s actress Gabrielle Dowling was confirmed to be taking a break only to focus on exams, with plans to return later this year—creating further confusion around Brenda’s supposed “temporary” exit.

The final scenes sealed the emotional punch. Brenda sat quietly in a taxi, gazing pensively out the window, a soft yet lingering goodbye to the village she’s long called home. Moments after the episode aired, Emmerdale’s official social media account released a tribute video highlighting Brenda’s years in the village, which only fueled speculation that this was her last appearance.

Fans flooded social media with mixed reactions. Some clung to hope, asking, “Brenda will be back, right? Why doesn’t it feel that way?” Others were less optimistic, posting comments like, “This feels very final. Is Brenda leaving for good?” One viewer added, “Forget that Brenda’s exit was permanent,” while another asked, “Anyone else think Brenda and Cathy’s exit seemed a bit rushed?”

Despite the ambiguity, one thing was clear—Brenda’s departure hit hard. Fans expressed sadness at seeing the character go, with comments like, “Bye, Gossip Queen Brenda,” and “That’s made me genuinely sad. Goodbye Brenda.” Others praised Dunlop’s performance, saying, “I will miss Brenda. Lesley Dunlop brings such maternal warmth that Emmerdale will miss dearly.”

While ITV and the Emmerdale team have yet to confirm if Brenda’s exit is truly permanent, the tone of her final scenes and the tribute video have fans bracing for the worst. If this really is the end for Brenda Walker, then it marks the close of an era filled with warmth, wisdom, and unforgettable village gossip.