I'm really saddened by it. When I stopped Emmerdale about 4-5 years ago, Alicia had just started, and she was just there to make life hell for Leyla, so I resented her, but when I started again this past December, I got to see what a wonderful character she'd blossomed into. And she's so charismatic and beautiful.

As much as I like David, I can't help thinking they should write him out with her, because I struggle to imagine him alone. I wouldn't say no to David/Leyla again, but I have a feeling it's going to be Carly, and I'm not sure how I'd feel about that.

I just hope they won't kill Leyla off and make it even worse.

I will give Kate Oates credit for keeping this quiet until the last week or two of Alicia's time on the show. Leaks so long before an exit create a huge sucking void in a show. I swear Michelle Keegan was leaving for a year and a half before she actually did.

Emmerdale has had a huge exodus of women in that age range in the last few months. It's even more unfortunate how badly they mangled the casting and writing for Chrissie, but I do like Carly, and maybe I can like Chrissie if they give her a kick in the ass.

I wonder if they'll be bringing anyone new in soon, or bringing anyone else back.

A lot of people have left this year - not that many left last year did they?

Susan Hill also said "we've still got her for a while yet," so maybe I'm wrong and she isn't leaving for a while.

I just hope she and Leyla both won't be going or that the Portugal trip is ended because Leyla dies...

Edited May 23, 201510 yr by DRW50

Why do you think they'd kill Leyla and not Alicia? I fear more for the latter biting it. Not because I like Alicia more (I don't), but because I feel confident that Leyla is one of Oates' big favourites. She did bring her back after all.

I hope a David/Leyla reunion isn't on the cards. If they go there I could maybe get used to it again, but to me it would just feel like the characters would be going backward and not forward. A retread. I get enough of that on EastEnders. I don't have ideas on any future pairings for either though.

Edited May 23, 201510 yr by Bright Eyes

It's a feeling I've had for a while now, especially since Leyla's a mid-level character who doesn't lead story and has no strong relationships, but would still be a loss. Then that summer infidelity photoshoot came out and people started speculating about who would die from it...

I hope I'm wrong.

It would take a lot to sell a David/Leyla reunion, and I doubt it will happen. Just the sentimental part of me who would want it (and I'd like to see more of David's edge again). If it's anyone it will probably be Carly. That would also explain why Carly/Ross ended so quickly.

The screencap of the arcticle on Susan's twitter states that she's leaving at the end of the year. This big summer story gype us me a mess of nerves. Let's all hope for the best.

I could see her being a big Christmas exit, with David smashing up presents in tears as Eric looks concerned and Val goes for a drink...

I don't see them killing her off though. Not after Katie.

Alicia will be a loss to the show when she leaves. She is one of my favourite characters, and her and David are probably my favourite couple on the show. I really don't want Alicia to die (and especially not murdered); my first thought was that David should leave with her, as that feels like the best exit for both characters. Whatever happens, I hope it's believable and isn't death related.

I like Carly, but I don't want her with David. Carl's right: I think it's obvious that is where they're heading, despite Carly being better suited to Ross - shame they've gone the boringly predictable route of the triangle with Debbie/Pete.

Layla is a tricky character to predict future wise, as she's a supporting player, currently stuck in a dead-end triangle with Jai/Megan. I'd like to believe she has a bright future on the show, but who knows. I can easily see them sacrificing Layla for Megan's revenge or something. I'd prefer it if they just got rid of Megan all together; she doesn't bring anything to the show at all.

I also wish they would ditch Ali and Ruby. I can't believe they had a moving away story, but haven't actually left!

Someone keeps insisting Shadrach never beat Cain as a child and it's a rewrite.

I could swear I remember this being referenced years ago. Am I making it up? I don't know anymore.

I can easily see them sacrificing Layla for Megan's revenge or something. I'd prefer it if they just got rid of Megan all together; she doesn't bring anything to the show at all.

That and as a reason for Alicia to return and then want to leave again. I hope not. I don't mind Megan but she serves no purpose - she's barely appeared since like February. As much as I dislike Jai, I'd think her being killed and him getting her money and companies would make more story sense.

I hope David explores his bisexuality following Alicia's departure. Maybe he becomes a male escort?

Porn jokes aside, I always sort of thought David probably did sleep with men as well as women before arriving in the village. If they had a story where Rakesh, who is apparently going to become more and more like American soap villains, finds out about it and uses it to try to keep him away from Priya, it would work for me.

Emmerdale is one of those shows where I actually would buy much of the younger male cast as bi. It wouldn't take much work at all. Not Aaron, or Pete, but David, Ross, Robert (hopefully they won't buckle to pressure to turn him gay), Andy - even Finn, actually.

I hope you tell us what you think of Betty's exit (her last episode is tomorrow). So far it's one of the better soap exits for a longtime character I can remember in recent years. It's not big or melodramatic but it's true to her and her history and feels like a tribute to the actress as well as the character. I've appreciated it.

Chris Bisson interview.

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s12/emmerdale/interviews/a649058/emmerdales-chris-bisson-there-may-be-hell-to-pay-for-jai.html#~pdEltYIN2wY2VS

OK. I am heartbroken over this news that Alicia is leaving. She is my favorite female character on the show.

Why couldn't've been Debbie's dull ass?!

A fitting send off for Betty. I am so happy we got that Seth moment. Having her new beau be a look-a-like was cute.

Carl, do you know who else was there when Seth was buried, other than Laurel and Alan?

Sam and Zak helped Betty bury the body.

Emmerdale's Instagram has some nice behind the scenes photos (and a short video) for Betty's last day.

https://instagram.com/itvemmerdale/