An Emmerdale legend is leaving the popular ITV soap opera after 16 years amid a double exit from the programme.

Last year, fans of the Yorkshire-based show learned that Lesley Dunlop, who plays Brenda Walker, would be bowing out after nearly two decades.

Her departure seems to have played its course with her character leaving the village for a three-month cruise.

According to The Sun, she won the tickets through a magazine competition, bringing Cathy Hope (Gabrielle Dowling) along.

The pair then said goodbye to Brenda's ex, Pollard (Chris Chittell) and Cathy's father.

Emmerdale legend Lesley Dunlop leaves show after 16 years

Earlier in the Emmerdale episode, Brenda considered staying in the village after hearing that Pollard, who has Parkinson's, had suffered a fall.

However, she eventually set sail after 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."

The ITV character 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."

Discussing her potential exit previously, a source said: “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.

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“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.”

This exit comes after Paula Lane (Ella Forster) departed the programme on Thursday night's episode.