Emmerdale actress Susan Cookson, who plays Wendy Posner, has been axed from the soap after seven years, leaving her 'devastated', as ITV continues to implement cost-cutting measures. The 57-year-old has already filmed her final scenes.
A source told The Sun: '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.' The insider added that ITV is facing a 'cash crisis' and characters not inspiring major storylines are being let go.
Cookson previously revealed she had considered quitting acting to become a nurse after caring for her late husband Malcolm Scates, who died in 2016. However, she received an unexpected call from Emmerdale producer Jane Hudson offering her the role of nurse Wendy, which she accepted.
Her departure follows the axing of Dean Andrews, whose character Will Taylor was killed off in a gruesome Christmas Day plot twist. Andrews had been with the show since 2019.
Cookson is best known for playing Maggie Coldwell in Casualty from 2005 to 2009. She has also appeared in Coronation Street, Hollyoaks, and Doctors.
