Shock Emmerdale exit as star left devastated by soap axe

EMMERDALE has aired the shock exit of Wendy Posner in today’s episode after actress Susan Cookson was axed from the soap.

Viewers have watched this week as nurse Wendy suddenly found her time in the village coming to an end.

She was blackmailed by a local journalist over not being a real nurse and forced to spill secrets of her friends and neighbours.

As it all became too much she confessed to Liam and Manpreet at work - and they promptly sacked her.

Bob’s reaction was one of fury - with his missing granddaughter April being the subject of one of Wendy’s leaked stories.

And after splitting up with Bob, Wendy decided she needed a fresh start and told Victoria that she would be moving in with her son Luke in Manchester.

As she tried to slip away with a quiet goodbye, Liam and Manpreet arrived.

“I’m leaving actually,” she told them adding: “Me and Bob, things haven’t worked out too well there.”

Liam replied: “I wish you all the best, despite the circumstances. Thank you for being a friend and for lots of things.”

The three hugged while Wendy told them: “You look after yourself, you deserve to be happy.”

And then she said her goodbyes to Victoria, Cathy and Harry while Bob watched on silently.

Climbing into her car Wendy looked heartbroken to be leaving.

The Sun exclusively revealed how actress Susan had been left devastated by her exit after bosses axed her from the soap.

A source said: “Susan was devastated at the decision. She loves the show and loves being part of it.

“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. 

“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.”