[Scarlett.]

Emmerdale star Deena Payne is to leave the soap after 18 years in the role of Viv Hope, it has been announced.

The actress will bow out from the part within the next few months - though details of her final storyline are currently being kept closely under wraps.

Despite the secrecy surrounding Viv's forthcoming departure, show producers have confirmed that her exit will be at the heart of a "huge winter storyline".

In a statement, Payne commented: "Emmerdale has been such a gift to me for the past 18 years and I've taken every challenge with both hands and enjoyed the ride.

"I'm very proud of Viv and the impact she has had over the years. I will miss putting on her shoulder pads and high heels every morning, but I am very excited about what the future holds."

Emmerdale's series producer Gavin Blyth added: "Deena created one of Emmerdale's most iconic characters in Viv. She's been a fundamental part of the show over the years and a valued member of the cast for which we are very grateful.

"We do not take decisions about losing characters lightly, but it is also the nature of soap that characters must come and go from village life. Deena's exit will be both unmissable and moving."

Viv's most recent storyline has seen her split from husband Bob (Tony Audenshaw), though there have since been hints that the sharp-witted character is struggling to move on following the break-up.

Digital Spy

[Kerry]

18 years. Wow, I can remember the Windsors (as she was) arriving

[Scarlett.]

I'm glad she is going tbh, I always found her annoying

[Kerry]

Originally Posted by Chewy

I'm glad she is going tbh, I always found her annoying

She's a pain but seems part of the place now

[Callum]

I had a feeling she may be going soon, guess this means there'll be no happy ending for her and Bob then.

[Scarlett.]

Thing is, I'm guessing she will either be replaced with Boring Brenda or that annoying Hazel woman

[Kerry]

Originally Posted by Chewy

Thing is, I'm guessing she will either be replaced with Boring Brenda or that annoying Hazel woman

I've grown to like Hazel

[Kerry]

Then again... I bet I change my mind next week

[Scarlett.]

I really don't like her, she just annoys me lol

[Kerry]

Originally Posted by Chewy

I really don't like her, she just annoys me lol

I hated her at first but this last week I liked her more. But like I say, I'll probably change my mind

[Scarlett.]

lol I think its because she's tied to the overused crowd

[Callum]

I hope she's not replaced by any of them. Both nice enough but hardly the next Viv Hope. Bob should just be single now, he's better when he hasn't a woman with him.

[flamingGalah!]

Not surprised, Viv has been a bit of a "spare part" for some time now...

[Joelle.]

Don't really watch Emmerdale that much but I've always hated that bitch Viv. Hopefully she'll be killed off so there's absolutely no chance of her coming back.

[Smithy]

My guess is she's going to be killed off

[bbfan1991]

Vile Viv off then, I hope they get rid of Turner tbh..

[Tom]

Getting rid of Viv would be like Corrie getting rid of Betty or Eastenders of Dot. None serve any real purpose but are just wallpaper and it wouldn't be the same without them there. I've not watched for a while but I'll never forget Viv falling into the wheelie bin, that has to be the single funniest soap moment ever

[Callum]

She is a huge part of Emmerdale and love her or hate her, her absence will be felt. Sharon Marshall said on TM today that her exit is part of a huge storyline which happens at Christmas.

[Smithy]

Originally Posted by Smithy

My guess is she's going to be killed off

-was right-




(sorry for the bump, I saw a guest viewing the thread and felt the need to reply)