Emmerdale fans witnessed an emotional goodbye as Mary Goskirk made her departure from the village on Wednesday's episode, which is available on ITV X.
In the heartfelt scenes, Mary tried but failed to reconcile with Vanessa Woodfield. Viewers will remember that Vanessa was left heartbroken upon discovering Mary's secret kiss with Suzy prior to her tragic death in a limo crash earlier this year.
Mary disclosed her plans to leave the village to daughter Rhona Goskirk on Wednesday, intending to give everyone space in the village.
She also justified her leave by expressing her desire for Rhona, Marlon Dingle, and April Windsor to resolve their issues and rediscover family unity without her interference, reports Leeds Live.
During a touching conversation, Mary remarked: "I think I might go away for a while. Visit your aunty Vivian down in Brighton", adding: "You said it yourself, Vanessa needs space – and I think you lot do as well. Just look at everything that's gone on here lately – you didn't even have a clue.
"You've all been through so much, I think you need to figure out what it is to be a family again. What you don't need is a live-in granny, making it all harder."
Confirming her departure, Mary said: "It won't be for long, poppet. I'm always at the end of the phone."
With Mary's exit unfolding unexpectedly, Emmerdale fans are left speculating if the beloved character has bid the soap farewell permanently.
However, viewers need not worry as Digital Spy report that it's just an 'on-screen break' for the character and she will be returning at a later date.
Meanwhile, Emmerdale audiences were left questioning Joe Tate's future after he jetted off to Dubai on Monday post his menacing Caleb Milligan assault, which was part of a sinister scheme to steal Caleb’s kidney.
Fans of the soap have been debating if this marks the end for Joe, particularly since he seems to have executed his sinister plot without consequence.
Nonetheless, it's suggested that Joe, who made a return to the show in December after a six-year hiatus, might face repercussions for his actions, signalling a probable comeback to the village.
An Emmerdale spokesperson told Metro: "Emmerdale covers a wide ranging scope of subjects in its storytelling. From births to deaths and everything in between, the nightly stories entertain, inform and raise awareness.
"We regularly work with organisations, help groups and charities for the portrayal of many of these subjects. But sometimes our characters go rogue acting out of desperation or whilst under pressure. Joe Tate’s desperate actions are not being held up as an example and as with any soap villain he will ultimately get his comeuppance."
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX, with an hour-long episode on Thursdays.
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