Lesley Dunlop, the 69-year-old actress known for her role as Brenda Walker in the popular soap opera Emmerdale, has recently faced legal issues. She admitted to two driving-related charges which led her to appear in court.
Details of the Charges Against Lesley Dunlop
Dunlop appeared at the West Yorkshire Magistrates’ Court following two incidents that violated traffic laws. On December 2, 2024, she was recorded driving at 67 mph on the M606 in Bradford, exceeding the speed limit of 50 mph. This offence was captured by an automatic camera.
In a separate incident on March 26, 2025, Dunlop neglected to provide details of the driver when requested by West Yorkshire Police. This breach of the Road Traffic Act further compounded her legal troubles.
Legal Outcomes and Penalties
Upon pleading guilty to both offences, Dunlop faced modest consequences. She received four penalty points on her driving license and was fined £222. Under normal circumstances, exceeding the speed limit by this margin could result in up to six points and a short ban. Additionally, failing to identify a driver can carry penalties of up to six points and a £1,000 fine.
It remains unclear if the actress appeared personally in court during the proceedings.
Recent Developments in Her Career
The legal troubles come shortly after Dunlop’s departure from Emmerdale, where she spent over 16 years. Her character Brenda Walker left the show in April 2025, following a storyline that involved a cruise with her stepdaughter, Cathy Hope. A letter indicated Brenda’s departure from the village, leaving fans curious after her absence from previous episodes.
Prior to her time on Emmerdale, Dunlop had a diverse acting career. She began as a child actress in BBC productions like A Little Princess and appeared in various ITV dramas, including South Riding. Throughout her career, she has also featured in series such as May to December and Where the Heart Is.
Personal Life
Dunlop resides in Bradford with her husband, Chris Chittell, who is also her co-star on Emmerdale. Their relationship has been intertwined with their on-screen partnership, further adding to the public’s interest in their personal lives.
- Actress: Lesley Dunlop
- Age: 69
- Charges: Speeding and failure to identify driver
- Court: West Yorkshire Magistrates’ Court
- Speeding Incident Date: December 2, 2024
- Failure to Identify Incident Date: March 26, 2025
- Penalty: Four points, £222 fine
