Emmerdale actress Susan Cookson, known for playing Wendy Posner, has been axed from the soap after seven years, leaving her 'devastated'. The decision comes amid ongoing ITV budget cuts affecting the soap's cast.
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' with its soaps, and characters not inspiring storylines are being cut.
Cookson, 58, had previously considered quitting acting to become a nurse after caring for her late husband Malcolm Scates, who died in 2016. However, she received a call from Emmerdale producer Jane Hudson offering her the role of nurse Wendy just as she was driving to meet a nursing manager.
Her departure follows that of Dean Andrews, whose character Will Taylor was killed off in a Christmas Day plot twist. Cookson has filmed her final scenes and will leave the show in upcoming episodes.
