Emmerdale spoilers follow from Monday’s episode (14 July), which is available to watch now on streaming service ITVX but hasn’t yet aired on ITV1.

Emmerdale’s Brenda Walker has unleashed an off-camera twist, leaving Nicola King furious.

Brenda exited the village back in April as she headed off on a three-month cruise with her former stepdaughter, Cathy Hope. While on her new adventure, Brenda sent a letter to Eric Pollard to explain that she wouldn’t be returning home.

Recently, Nicola King has been struggling to manage the café without her business partner. Viewers have seen her enlist the help of Lewis Barton, whose new menu ideas and bubbly personality have proved popular with customers.

In today’s episode, Lewis’s charming “superpower” continued to increase sales. However, Nicola was stressed about not being able to reach Brenda, despite calling her and leaving multiple messages.

emmerdale, eric pollard and brenda walker

ITV

Related: Battersea Dogs Home “disappointed” by one key detail in Emmerdale storyline

“Why should we work our fingers to the bone, while she works her way through the Mounties?” she complained to Jimmy.

Later, Ross visited his brother at work and was shocked to learn that Lewis was thinking of leaving the Dales.

“Me moving to the village was always gonna be temporary,” Lewis explained. “I don’t wanna be washing coffee cups for the rest of my life. I wanna run my own business.”

nicola king, lewis barton, emmerdale

ITV

nicola and jimmy king in the cafe, emmerdale

ITV

Related: Emmerdale star Claire King responds to shocking identity of Kim’s new man

The pair explained that Brenda was selling her shares to Lewis, who was delighted to finally become a business owner.

But Nicola seemed less than impressed with the news. Will she be able to relinquish some of her power?

Last month, Eric Pollard said that Brenda was “not coming back” to the village. Actor Lesley Dunlop had played the role since 2008.

Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.

Read more Emmerdale spoilers on our dedicated homepage

Digital Spy’s new print issue is here! Buy Oasis – Live in ’25 in newsagents or online, now priced at just £8.99.

Deals that might interest youPrime Day 2025 best dealsPrime Day 2025 best dealsCredit: LEGOShop Sky TV, broadband and mobile dealsShop Sky TV, broadband and mobile deals

Prime Members’ Exclusive Deal

Prime Day DealAmazon Fire TV Stick 4K streaming deviceAmazon Fire TV Stick 4K streaming deviceCredit: AmazonOn SaleRichard Osman: We Solve MurdersRichard Osman: We Solve MurdersCredit: VikingStranger Things Hellfire Club dice dangle charmStranger Things Hellfire Club dice dangle charmCredit: Pandora

Prime Members’ Exclusive Deal

Prime Day DealApple AirPods Pro 2Apple AirPods Pro 2Credit: AppleShop PS5 consolesShop PS5 consolesCredit: PlayStationShop Alison Hammond's outfitsShop Alison Hammond’s outfitsCredit: Mark BourdillonApple TV+ 7-day free trialApple TV+ 7-day free trialCredit: Apple TV+Sign up for Disney+Sign up for Disney+Credit: Chuck ZlotnickThe Street of Lies: An Official Coronation Street Interactive NovelThe Street of Lies: An Official Coronation Street Interactive NovelCredit: Octopus BooksDeath in Paradise: The Puzzle BookDeath in Paradise: The Puzzle BookCredit: BBC Books