Olivia Bromley has opened up about her departure from Emmerdale, revealing that the death of her character Dawn Fletcher was more emotional than she expected.
The actress played Dawn for eight years after the character first appeared in the village in 2018 during Ross Barton's acid attack storyline. Dawn's time on the show included storylines involving drug dependency, sex work, the death of corrupt DI Malone, and a wedding to Billy Fletcher that was disrupted by serial killer Meena Jutla. Her son Evan was also diagnosed with leukaemia, and in 2025 Dawn had an affair with Joe Tate.
Dawn's tragic ending
Dawn died last month after Jimmy King's car collided with her wedding marquee. Jimmy died at the crash site, while Dawn died hours later in hospital after giving birth to a son.
Speaking on the red carpet at the National Television Awards on Tuesday (September 8), Bromley described Dawn's death as heartbreaking. She said: "It was more emotional than I expected. You know, I've played this character for eight years, and it's a little part of me, and also, the nature of the storyline was quite intense. So, yeah, I found it really sad, but it was nice to do [with] amazing colleagues, and it was great to have a proper big send-off."
What's next for Olivia Bromley
Bromley added: "I don't think I wanted [Dawn] to end in that way, but it's exciting as well. It's exciting to be able to do other things and new opportunities, and I don't think every character is meant to stay. Sometimes characters' stories come to an end, but it was sad when I read the scripts, it was!"
When asked about her future plans, she offered a three-word response: "Watch this space." She added: "But for me right now, I just need a holiday. I really do."
Fans react to Dawn's death
Fans have shared their sadness over Dawn's death on social media. One viewer wrote on X: "Couldn't stop crying. That ending was beautiful and really well done. Thank you, Olivia Bromley, who plays Dawn. Ned Porteous was excellent. RIP Dawn, I'll miss her."
Another remarked: "Absolutely devastated! I know Joe isn't the most nicest of people always but this scene was heartbreaking! First Jimmy, now Dawn! Absolute scenes, well done Emmerdale, such a sad episode!"
A third commented: "I can't believe they've killed Dawn off, I liked her. Good luck in whatever you do next Olivia Bromley. Going to miss you on Emmerdale."
Emmerdale airs weekday nights at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
