Emmerdale airs sudden exit as character flees village after 22 years in twist

08 August 2023 , 19:15

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Emmerdale airs sudden exit as character flees village after 22 years in twist

Emmerdale aired the departure of a character on Tuesday night, as one cast member embarked on a break from the ITV soap. Gabby Thomas made a sudden exit from the village after recent heartache, with Tuesday appearing to be her last episode until she returns from her time away.

Gabby decided to flee to Portugal in the latest episode, where her grandmother Diane Sugden currently lives after she left the village in 2021. The young mother decided she needed to get away for a while, while it's not specified how long she could stay there for - but she will return to screens soon. It comes amid her growing attraction to Billy Fletcher.

Embarrassed after making a pass at him, Gabby decided she needed to leave with her son Thomas to keep her distance - but will she go for good after 22 years on the show? Gabby was born on the show in 2001 and has remained in the village since.

Emmerdale aired the departure of a character on Tuesday night (ITV)

It seems it is not a permanent exit, as actress Rosie Bentham recently teased what was ahead when her character returns from the Dales, confirming Gabby wold take a break. Gabby was left heartbroken on her wedding day earlier this year, when she was dumped by her fiancé Nicky Miligan who turned out to be gay.

Speaking of Gabby's decision to leave and what lies ahead, Rosie told Inside Soap magazine: "It was a moment of madness that she comes to regret. She’s seeking validation from any man. She’s completely lost; I just picture Gabby waking up in the morning and feeling like her life is chaos. Obviously, there’s the anniversary of Liv Dingle’s death on the horizon, and that’s difficult for Gabby, as Liv was her best mate."

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Seemingly confirming Gabby would be leaving the Dales for a short while, Rosie is hopeful things will be different for her character when she makes her return, before teasing more chaos ahead. Speaking of what's to come, she shared: "She needs to reset. Heartbreak can be long and tedious but she knows that she needs to get it all out. The tears need to come. Hopefully she’ll come back with a different head on with regards to the Nicky situation." But it looks like it won't be plain sailing as Rosie added: "Gabby has a lot on her plate and the next few months are chaotic."

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX, with an hour-long episode on Thursdays.

Charlotte Tutton