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THE LOWDOWN

Who is Brenda Walker actress Lesley Dunlop? Emmerdale star who appeared in May to December

She has been in Emmerdale since 2008

LESLEY Dunlop is an English actress who's best known for playing Brenda Walker in Emmerdale.

She's been on the ITV soap since 2008... but, what else has she been in, and which of her co-stars is she married to? Let's get the lowdown...

 Lesley Dunlop plays Brenda Walker in Emmerdale
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Lesley Dunlop plays Brenda Walker in EmmerdaleCredit: Getty Images - Getty

Who is Lesley Dunlop?

Lesley Dunlop was born in Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland, on March 10, 1986 - that makes her 62.

She has two daughters - Rosie and Daisy Guard - with actor Christopher Guard.

Lesley married Emmerdale co-star Chris Chittell - who plays Eric Pollard - in 2016.

Dunlop kicked off her acting in the 1970s, after featuring in a BBC version of the classic A Little Princess.

 Lesley joined Emmerdale in 2008
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Lesley joined Emmerdale in 2008

When did Lesley join Emmerdale?

Lesley joined Emmerdale back in 2008, playing the role of Brenda Walker.

In 2013, Brenda was diagnosed with a brain tumour - so Lesley shaved her head for the part.

At the time, she revisited some personal memories to prepare for the storyline.

She said: "I researched the role for hours and had to revisit some very personal memories.

"I lost my mum, Marion, to leukaemia 14 years ago when she was just 68. She decided against treatment - just as Brenda does.

"Mum didn't want chemotherapy. She'd seen friends who'd had it die during it or shortly afterwards. She a had a 35% chance of survival with chemo, which was difficult because it gave us hope that she would make it. Doing this story is bringing those memories back."

 Lesley, who's married to her Emmerdale co-star Chris Chittell - has had a varied acting career
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Lesley, who's married to her Emmerdale co-star Chris Chittell - has had a varied acting careerCredit: PA:Press Association

What else has Lesley been in?

Lesley hasn't just played Brenda in Emmerdale - she's also had a string of other acting roles.

In 2000, she played Anna Kirkwall in Where The Heart is.

She also played PE teacher Zoë Angell Dunlop alongside screen husband Anton Rodgers in series three through six of BBC sitcom May to December.

Lesley has also made two guest appearances in Doctor Who - in Frontios in 1984 and The Happiness Patrol in 1988.

She also appeared in the 1982 film Deadly Game.

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