Leanna Cavanagh

{{good article}} {{Short description|Fictional character from Emmerdale}} {{Use dmy dates|date=July 2021}} {{Use British English|date=July 2021}} {{Infobox soap character | series = Emmerdale | name = Leanna Cavanagh | image = Leanna Cavanagh.jpg | portrayer = [[Mimi Slinger]] | introducer = Iain MacLeod | years = 2018–2021 | first = Episode 8087 <br> {{Start date|2018|03|06|df=y}} | last = Episode 9096 <br> {{End date|2021|07|09|df=y}} | father = [[Liam Cavanagh]] | mother = Lara Cavanagh | stepmother = [[Maya Stepney]] <br> [[Leyla Harding]] }}

'''Leanna Cavanagh''' is a fictional character from the [[ITV (TV channel)|ITV]] soap opera ''[[Emmerdale]]'', played by [[Mimi Slinger]]. Leanna was introduced as the troublesome daughter of [[Liam Cavanagh]] ([[Jonny McPherson]]) when producers made the decision to explore Liam's character. After making her first appearance on 6 March 2018, her storylines in the soap included her numerous rivalries with her father's partners, her friendship and eventual rivalry with [[Gabby Thomas (fictional character)|Gabby Thomas]] ([[Rosie Bentham]]), and her [[on-off relationship]] with [[Jacob Gallagher (Emmerdale)|Jacob Gallagher]] ([[Joe-Warren Plant]]). The character was [[killed off]] in the episode airing on 8 July 2021 when she is murdered by serial killer [[Meena Jutla]] ([[Paige Sandhu]]).

Slinger announced her decision to leave to the production team in 2020 and was informed that her character would die, which she was shocked but excited for. It was announced in June 2021 that Meena would kill a character and viewers of the show immediately suspected that it would be Leanna. To film her death scenes in the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] with Sandhu, they formed a [[First COVID-19 tier regulations in England#Linked_households|bubble]], which she felt made the scenes more realistic. Upon leaving, Slinger said that she was missing ''Emmerdale'' and her co-stars, but felt it was the right time to pursue other opportunities in her career.

Leanna is initially portrayed as a mean and harsh character, with Slinger admitting that she would not be friends with her character. However, her backstory is later explored when it is revealed that her mother died when Leanna was a child. Due to having experienced the loss of her mother at a young age, Leanna takes out her feelings on people surrounding her, without regard for their feelings. Her attitude was initially criticised by viewers, but her impact on the series has been noted by ''[[OK!]]'' magazine. After Leanna was murdered, viewers were "sickened" and "stunned" by her death.<ref name="Sickened" />

==Casting and characterisation== In 2018, it was announced by the agents of [[Jonny McPherson]] that his character, [[Liam Cavanagh]], had been promoted to a series regular on ''Emmerdale''. As part of the decision to promote him, it was confirmed that viewers would find out more about his life, with the producers having "bigger plans for him in the months ahead".<ref name="Promote">{{Cite news|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/news/a860543/emmerdale-spoilers-dr-cavanagh-jonny-mcpherson-regular/|title=Emmerdale promotes Dr Cavanagh to show regular as a new love triangle begins|last=Kilkelly|first=Daniel|date=29 June 2018|work=[[Digital Spy]]|access-date=25 February 2021|publisher=[[Hearst Magazines UK]]|archive-date=4 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181104084122/http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/news/a860543/emmerdale-spoilers-dr-cavanagh-jonny-mcpherson-regular/|url-status=live}}</ref> One of these explorations was the introduction of Leanna, as well as Liam's wife, [[Maya Stepney]] ([[Louisa Clein]]).<ref name="Promote" /> In an interview with Susannah Alexander of [[Digital Spy]], Slinger stated that the "proudest moment" of her life was the day that her mother called her to inform her that she had landed the role of Leanna.<ref name="Friends">{{Cite news|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/a32473918/emmerdale-leanna-cavanagh-mean-girl-says-mimi-slinger/|title=Emmerdale star Mimi Slinger reveals why she couldn't be friends with "mean girl" Leanna|work=[[Digital Spy]]|access-date=14 May 2020|date=14 May 2020|last=Alexander|first=Susannah|archive-date=15 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200515071313/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/a32473918/emmerdale-leanna-cavanagh-mean-girl-says-mimi-slinger/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Speaking to Alexander about her character, Slinger described Leanna as a troublemaker and stated that she loves the attention that comes from being that way. Slinger opined that Leanna is "that stereotypical mean girl who creates drama to keep her position".<ref name="Friends" /> She admitted that while in real life she could "be a bit cheeky on occasion", she is not like her character.<ref name="Friends" /> Slinger stated that she would not personally be friends with Leanna if she was a real person, stating that "Leanna and people like her would definitely be the sort that [she would] steer away from", and that she would find it "difficult" to get along with her.<ref name="Friends" /> Slinger explained that Leanna has a "hard exterior" due to events in her backstory, which causes her to be too harsh to people and not regard their feelings.<ref name="Friends" /> Leanna's backstory involves her mother Lara's death at a young age, which led her to not have a mother figure throughout her formative years.<ref name="Friends" /> A year later, Slinger compared the attributes that she shares with Leanna, explaining that they both value the people they love, they are both sensitive and that they both enjoy taking risks. She also admitted that she does not like Leanna's clothing.<ref name="Ask">{{cite journal |title=You ask... They answer! |journal=[[Inside Soap]] |date=3-9 July 2021 |page=55}}</ref>

==Development== ===Relationship with Jacob Gallagher=== Shortly after her introduction, Leanna is "quick to find romance" when she is partnered with classmate [[Jacob Gallagher (Emmerdale)|Jacob Gallagher]] ([[Joe-Warren Plant]]) for a school project.<ref name="Who">{{cite news |last1=Hulme |first1=Charlotte |title=Who is Emmerdale's Leanna Cavanagh actress Mimi Slinger? Here's everything you need to know |url=https://www.ok.co.uk/lifestyle/leanna-cavanagh-emmerdale-new-girl-14396718 |access-date=25 February 2021 |work=[[OK!]] |publisher=[[Reach plc]] |date=11 February 2021 |archive-date=11 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210211121039/https://www.ok.co.uk/lifestyle/leanna-cavanagh-emmerdale-new-girl-14396718 |url-status=live }}</ref> After Jacob hears Leanna making spiteful comments, he decides to stop talking to her, with ''Metro'' stating that he "has understandably been put off".<ref name="Involved" /> However, the pair "grow closer" after the pair share a kiss and she "nervously unbuttons her shirt".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kilkelly |first1=Daniel |title=Emmerdale spoiler: Jacob and Leanna grow closer |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/a29750747/emmerdale-spoilers-jacob-and-leanna-grow-closer/ |access-date=29 March 2021 |work=[[Digital Spy]] |publisher=[[Hearst Magazines UK]] |archive-date=30 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330135705/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/a29750747/emmerdale-spoilers-jacob-and-leanna-grow-closer/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The pair have sex, and Leanna takes the [[Emergency contraception|morning-after pill]].<ref name="Morning">{{cite news |last1=Kilkelly |first1=Daniel |title=Emmerdale spoiler: Leanna's secret is revealed |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/a29750752/emmerdale-spoilers-leannas-secret-is-revealed/ |access-date=29 March 2021 |work=[[Digital Spy]] |publisher=[[Hearst Magazines UK]] |archive-date=30 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330135624/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/a29750752/emmerdale-spoilers-leannas-secret-is-revealed/ |url-status=live }}</ref> She tells her father that despite the pair having sex, Jacob "just did it to make himself feel better" and has no interest in her.<ref name="Assault">{{cite news |last1=Davies |first1=Megan |title=Emmerdale's Liam Cavanagh is arrested for assault after his violent outburst against Jacob Gallagher |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/a29872860/emmerdale-liam-cavanagh-arrested-assault-jacob-gallagher-punch/ |access-date=29 March 2021 |work=[[Digital Spy]] |publisher=[[Hearst Magazines UK]] |date=21 November 2019 |archive-date=5 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200305085952/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/a29872860/emmerdale-liam-cavanagh-arrested-assault-jacob-gallagher-punch/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Liam assumes that Jacob has taken advantage of Leanna, and confronts him. In turn, Jacob "lashes out with a number of nasty comments" about Leanna.<ref name="Assault" /> The pair eventually reconcile and agree to be "exclusive" with one another.<ref name="Exclusive">{{cite news |last1=Warner |first1=Sam |title=Emmerdale hints at possible reunion for Leyla Harding and Liam Cavanagh |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/a33010193/emmerdale-spoilers-leyla-harding-liam-cavanagh-reunion/ |access-date=29 March 2021 |work=[[Digital Spy]] |publisher=[[Hearst Magazines UK]] |date=30 June 2020 |archive-date=10 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210003217/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/a33010193/emmerdale-spoilers-leyla-harding-liam-cavanagh-reunion/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2021, ''Emmerdale'' producers announced that the year would see an increased focus on the younger cast members and characters. As part of the shift, an arc for Leanna's character was announced. It was confirmed that with Jacob having moved abroad and her friendship with [[Gabby Thomas (fictional character)|Gabby Thomas]] ([[Rosie Bentham]]) "in chaos", Leanna would be lonely.<ref name="Arc">{{Cite news|url=https://www.whatsontv.co.uk/news/emmerdale-8-huge-spoilers-2021-656154/|last=Crick|first=Claire|date=4 January 2021|title=Emmerdale bosses reveal 8 HUGE spoilers heading our way in 2021|work=[[What's on TV]]|access-date=7 January 2021|archive-date=5 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210105184032/https://www.whatsontv.co.uk/news/emmerdale-8-huge-spoilers-2021-656154/|url-status=live}}</ref> Slinger stated that Leanna has "found herself quite isolated" due to the change in company, and that Leanna will question "whether their relationship is strong enough to last the distance".<ref name="Arc" /> After his return, Slinger was asked if they make a good couple. She opined that they do but admitted that they would be unlikely to last in the long-term future. She hoped that they would keep her bond with Jacob, since she enjoyed working with Warren-Plant.<ref name="Ask" />

===Troublemaking and scheming=== When 11-year-old [[Amelia Spencer (Emmerdale)|Amelia Spencer]] (Daisy Campbell) goes missing, Leanna calls her family. She hints that she has information on Amelia's disappearance, but that she would only divulge the information for a reward.<ref name="Reward">{{cite news |last1=Laura |first1=Donaldson |title=Emmerdale fans SLAM Jacob Gallagher's girlfriend Leanna Cavanagh as she makes cryptic phone call after Amelia Spencer disappearance twist |url=https://www.ok.co.uk/tv/soaps/emmerdale-spoilers-amelia-spencer-missing-14396630 |access-date=25 February 2021 |work=[[OK!]] |publisher=[[Reach plc]] |date=11 June 2018 |archive-date=30 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330135624/https://www.ok.co.uk/tv/soaps/emmerdale-spoilers-amelia-spencer-missing-14396630 |url-status=live }}</ref> She then jokes that Amelia will return soon, but in a coffin.<ref name="Shocked">{{cite news |last1=Lee |first1=Ben |title=Emmerdale fans are shocked by Leanna Cavanagh's comment about missing Amelia |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/a859377/emmerdale-leanna-cavanagh-amelia-comment/ |access-date=25 February 2021 |work=[[Digital Spy]] |publisher=[[Hearst Magazines UK]] |date=13 June 2018 |archive-date=30 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330135625/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/a859377/emmerdale-leanna-cavanagh-amelia-comment/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[Metro (British newspaper)|Metro]]'' suggested that rather than just wanting a reward, Leanna could be involved with Amelia's disappearance.<ref name="Involved">{{cite news |last1=Lindsay |first1=Duncan |title=Emmerdale spoilers: Is spiteful newcomer Leanna Cavanagh involved in Amelia Spencer's disappearance? |url=https://metro.co.uk/2018/06/15/emmerdale-spoilers-spiteful-newcomer-leanna-cavanagh-involved-amelia-spencers-disappearance-7633485/ |access-date=25 February 2021 |work=[[Metro (British newspaper)|Metro]] |publisher=[[DMG Media]] |date=15 June 2018 |archive-date=19 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180619040908/https://metro.co.uk/2018/06/15/emmerdale-spoilers-spiteful-newcomer-leanna-cavanagh-involved-amelia-spencers-disappearance-7633485/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Leanna instigates a series of pranks, enlisting Amelia and [[Noah Dingle]] (Jack Downham) to help her. They begin by flooding the school toilets to get time off from school and then release a number of animals from the local vets. Leanna then finds the key to [[Daz Spencer]]'s ([[Mark Jordon]]) car, and go [[Joyride (crime)|joyriding]] in it. Leanna sets Amelia up for the crime by videoing her in the car. Amelia pulls Leanna's hair, causing her to crash, and the teens leave the car. A drunk Daz finds the car, and drives it, where he hits [[Graham Foster (Emmerdale)|Graham Foster]] ([[Andrew Scarborough]]).<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lindsay |first1=Duncan |title=Emmerdale spoilers: Main character to die in hit and run horror? |url=https://metro.co.uk/2018/11/27/emmerdale-spoilers-main-character-to-die-in-hit-and-run-horror-8097665/ |access-date=30 March 2021 |work=[[Metro (British newspaper)|Metro]] |publisher=[[DMG Media]] |date=27 November 2018 |archive-date=28 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181128144737/https://metro.co.uk/2018/11/27/emmerdale-spoilers-main-character-to-die-in-hit-and-run-horror-8097665/amp/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Noah confesses to the police, but as Leanna is "desperate to save her own skin", she denies everything, claiming Amelia is responsible.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Baillie |first1=Katie |title=Emmerdale Spoilers: Noah Dingle makes a shocking confession |url=https://metro.co.uk/2018/12/07/emmerdale-spoilers-noah-dingle-makes-a-shocking-confession-8219135/ |access-date=30 March 2021 |work=[[Metro (British newspaper)|Metro]] |publisher=[[DMG Media]] |date=7 December 2018 |archive-date=8 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181208151117/https://metro.co.uk/2018/12/07/emmerdale-spoilers-noah-dingle-makes-a-shocking-confession-8219135/amp/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

When she is upset about her life, Leanna "decides to ignore all of the emotional stuff" to "numb the pain".<ref name="Party">{{cite news |last1=Kilkelly |first1=Daniel |title=Emmerdale's Liam Cavanagh makes a big mistake over Leanna |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/a32603939/emmerdale-spoilers-liam-cavanagh-leanna-mistake/ |access-date=29 March 2021 |work=[[Digital Spy]] |publisher=[[Hearst Magazines UK]] |date=20 May 2020 |archive-date=6 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606220952/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/a32603939/emmerdale-spoilers-liam-cavanagh-leanna-mistake/ |url-status=live }}</ref> She forms "a new plan to rebel" by organising a party at [[Diane Sugden]]'s ([[Elizabeth Estensen]]) house.<ref name="Party" /> Jacob sees her posts on social media advertising the party and arrives to comfort her. Liam arrives, and misinterprets the situation by assuming they are about to have sex. Liam's words then "further push away his daughter".<ref name="Party" /> After Gabby leads Leyla to believe Liam has groomed her, Leanna plans revenge on her by starting a "smear campaign" against her.<ref name="Smear">{{cite news |last1=Kilkelly |first1=Daniel |title=Emmerdale spoiler: Leanna plans revenge on Gabby |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/a34676016/emmerdale-spoilers-leanna-plans-revenge-on-gabby/ |access-date=29 March 2021 |work=[[Digital Spy]] |publisher=[[Hearst Magazines UK]] |archive-date=13 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213073745/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/a34676016/emmerdale-spoilers-leanna-plans-revenge-on-gabby/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Daniel Kilkelly of Digital Spy wrote that she intends to "settle the score" with Gabby.<ref name="Smear" /> She then "steps up [her] revenge plan, planning to get Gabby fired from her new job as a waitress.<ref name="Steps">{{cite news |last1=Kilkelly |first1=Daniel |title=Emmerdale's Leanna Cavanagh steps up revenge plan against Gabby Thomas |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/a34814746/emmerdale-spoilers-leanna-cavanagh-gabby-thomas-revenge-continues/ |access-date=29 March 2021 |work=[[Digital Spy]] |publisher=[[Hearst Magazines UK]] |date=30 November 2020 |archive-date=13 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213104836/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/a34814746/emmerdale-spoilers-leanna-cavanagh-gabby-thomas-revenge-continues/ |url-status=live }}</ref> She becomes determined to ensure that Gabby faces consequences for her actions against Liam, and asks [[Leyla Harding]] ([[Roxy Shahidi]]) to join in, who declines. Leanna "goes solo" and becomes the "customer from hell".<ref name="Steps" />

===Rivalries with her father's partners=== When Leanna arrives in Emmerdale, she is accompanied by stepmother Maya, Liam's wife. However, Maya cheats on her father with [[David Metcalfe]] ([[Matthew Wolfenden]]), Jacob's adoptive father.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kilkelly |first1=Daniel |title=Emmerdale reveals new cheating row as David Metcalfe pursues Maya Cavanagh |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/a860244/emmerdale-spoilers-david-metcalfe-maya-cavanagh-kiss/ |access-date=30 March 2021 |work=[[Digital Spy]] |publisher=[[Hearst Magazines UK]] |date=26 June 2018 |archive-date=30 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330135707/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/a860244/emmerdale-spoilers-david-metcalfe-maya-cavanagh-kiss/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Leanna is "furious" when she learns that Maya has warned Jacob to stay away from her.<ref>{{cite news |last1=O Neill |first1=Bronwyn |title=Emmerdale SPOILERS: Is Maya's dark secret finally revealed? |url=https://evoke.ie/2018/08/16/showbiz/soaps/emmerdale-spoilers-maya-stepney-dark-secret-revealed |access-date=30 March 2021 |work=Evokie.ie |publisher=[[DMG Media]] |date=16 August 2018 |archive-date=30 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330135652/https://evoke.ie/2018/08/16/showbiz/soaps/emmerdale-spoilers-maya-stepney-dark-secret-revealed |url-status=live }}</ref> She brands Maya a "lying, gold-digging cow", and prints flyers insulting her.<ref name="Cow">{{cite news |last1=Flood |first1=Alex |title=Emmerdale: Leanna gets revenge on "gold-digging cow" Maya |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/a864587/emmerdale-leanna-jacob-maya-revenge/ |access-date=30 March 2021 |work=[[Digital Spy]] |publisher=[[Hearst Magazines UK]] |date=22 August 2018 |archive-date=30 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330135641/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/a864587/emmerdale-leanna-jacob-maya-revenge/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Leanna posts about Maya online, as well as distributing the flyers around the local area. Her actions result in a confrontation between the two in which "sparks flew".<ref name="Cow" /> Maya was tipped by Digital Spy to be ''Emmerdale''{{'}}s next villain, with them accrediting her potential as a villain to Leanna's "evil streak".<ref name="Villain">{{cite news |last1=Kilkelly |first1=Daniel |title=8 worrying signs that Emmerdale's Maya Stepney is the show's next big villain |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/a864978/emmerdale-maya-stepney-louisa-clein-villain/ |access-date=30 March 2021 |work=[[Digital Spy]] |publisher=[[Hearst Magazines UK]] |date=28 August 2018 |archive-date=30 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330135708/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/a864978/emmerdale-maya-stepney-louisa-clein-villain/ |url-status=live }}</ref> They suspected that due to "causing a right old stir with her bad behaviour", this could be a sign that Maya is "the malevolent influence" of Leanna's behaviour.<ref name="Villain" /> When Maya later grooms Jacob, Leanna was tipped by the ''[[Daily Mirror]]'' to expose her due to the pair never getting along.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Tutton |first1=Charlotte |title=Emmerdale's Leanna tipped to expose former stepmother Maya over Jacob affair |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/emmerdales-leanna-tipped-expose-former-14362545 |access-date=30 March 2021 |work=[[Daily Mirror]] |publisher=[[Reach plc]] |date=16 April 2019 |archive-date=16 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416195346/https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/emmerdales-leanna-tipped-expose-former-14362545 |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Mimi Slinger 2022.jpg|140px|thumb|left|Slinger has said that Liam's brief relationships with women result in little stability for Leanna.]]

Liam begins a relationship with Bernice, who Leanna takes an instant dislike to.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kilkelly |first1=Daniel |title=Emmerdale reveals a surprising new love interest for Bernice Blackstock |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/a864449/emmerdale-spoilers-bernice-blackstock-dr-liam-cavanagh/ |access-date=29 March 2021 |work=[[Digital Spy]] |publisher=[[Hearst Magazines UK]] |date=21 August 2018 |archive-date=20 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920125216/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/a864449/emmerdale-spoilers-bernice-blackstock-dr-liam-cavanagh/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Digital Spy wrote that in response to their relationship, Leanna "hatches a ruthless plan to destroy" it.<ref name="Nasty">{{cite news |last1=Kilkelly |first1=Daniel |title=Emmerdale's Leanna Cavanagh targets Bernice Blackstock with her latest nasty plan |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/a870973/emmerdale-spoilers-leanna-cavanagh-bernice-blackstock-plan/ |access-date=29 March 2021 |work=[[Digital Spy]] |publisher=[[Hearst Magazines UK]] |date=20 November 2018 |archive-date=30 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330135725/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/a870973/emmerdale-spoilers-leanna-cavanagh-bernice-blackstock-plan/ |url-status=live }}</ref> She teams up with Bernice's daughter and "willing accomplice" [[Gabby Thomas (fictional character)|Gabby Thomas]] ([[Rosie Bentham]]).<ref name="Nasty" /> Leanna tricks Bernice into wearing an "awful ball gown" to the Woolpack, humiliating her in front of Liam and other villagers.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kilkelly |first1=Daniel |title=Emmerdale spoiler: Bernice is left devastated thanks to Leanna |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/a870865/emmerdale-spoilers-bernice-left-devastated-leanna/ |access-date=29 March 2021 |work=[[Digital Spy]] |publisher=[[Hearst Magazines UK]] |date=20 November 2018 |archive-date=30 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330135707/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/a870865/emmerdale-spoilers-bernice-left-devastated-leanna/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Leanna is pleased when Liam sides with her.<ref name="Nasty" /> Despite this, the pair continue their relationship. After Leanna has sex with Jacob, Bernice buys the morning-after pill for her. Bernice does not tell Liam, since she wants to respect Leanna's privacy as a teenage girl. The secret is then revealed when Leanna vomits in front of Liam.<ref name="Morning" /> Due to "sly remarks" that Leanna makes about her, Bernice buys [[Botox]] from the internet.<ref name="Hatches">{{cite news |last1=Kilkelly |first1=Daniel |title=Emmerdale to explore Leanna Cavanagh's sad backstory in surprising scenes |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/a25659620/emmerdale-spoilers-leanna-cavanagh-sad-backstory/ |access-date=29 March 2021 |work=[[Digital Spy]] |publisher=[[Hearst Magazines UK]] |date=22 November 2018 |archive-date=27 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627031939/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/a25659620/emmerdale-spoilers-leanna-cavanagh-sad-backstory/ |url-status=live }}</ref> She "spitefully" encourages her to use the Botox, but after Bernice has an anaphylactic shock due to being severely allergic to the ingredients, Leanna shows "genuine remorse".<ref name="Hatches" /> It was then confirmed by producers that Leanna's "surprising" and "sad backstory" would be explored in scenes.<ref name="Hatches" /> McPherson (Liam) stated that Leanna is a troubled character, but that the storyline with Bernice's anaphylactic shock would show Leanna in a different light. He explained that Leanna's mother Lara died of an anaphylactic shock, so it "will bring stuff back for Leanna".<ref name="Hatches" /> McPherson said that the viewers will see why Leanna behaves the way she does, and that despite some of her actions being bad, she is not "pure evil".<ref name="Hatches" /> Giles (Bernice) liked that the storyline led to her character and Leanna being "able to build some bridges".<ref name="Hatches" /> She felt that since Leanna feels genuine remorse, it will bring them closer. Giles added that there is potential for Bernice to be a good stepmother to her, but only if Leanna's "fractious" relationship with her daughter Gabby improves.<ref name="Hatches" /> The pair eventually break up when Liam kisses [[Leyla Harding]] ([[Roxy Shahidi]]); Slinger opined that if Liam were to have stayed with Bernice, Leanna would be happy since she "would've had the ready-made family she longs for".<ref name="Friends" />

When Liam begins a relationship with Leyla, he receives "backlash" from Leanna.<ref name="React">{{cite news |last1=Lee |first1=Jess |title=Emmerdale's Leyla and Liam to share big news over their relationship |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/a30764712/emmerdale-leyla-liam-leanna-relationship-news/ |access-date=29 March 2021 |work=[[Digital Spy]] |publisher=[[Hearst Magazines UK]] |date=4 February 2020 |archive-date=14 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200814144607/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/a30764712/emmerdale-leyla-liam-leanna-relationship-news/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Since Leanna "hasn't made life easy for Liam in the past when it comes to his relationships", he sees telling Leanna about their relationship as an "obstacle".<ref name="React" /> Leanna does not react well to the news, and they explain their relationship to her, but she "remains dismissive" and upset over the situation.<ref name="Ultimatum">{{cite news |last1=McCreesh |first1=Louise |title=Emmerdale's Liam Cavanagh faces a huge ultimatum from his daughter Leanna |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/a31698382/emmerdale-liam-cavanagh-leanna-leyla-harding-ultimatum/ |access-date=29 March 2021 |work=[[Digital Spy]] |publisher=[[Hearst Magazines UK]] |date=17 March 2020 |archive-date=30 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330135649/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/a31698382/emmerdale-liam-cavanagh-leanna-leyla-harding-ultimatum/ |url-status=live }}</ref> She then attempts to ruin their relationship by giving him the "huge ultimatum" of choosing her or Leyla.<ref name="Ultimatum" /> Daniel Kilkelly of Digital Spy wrote that Leanna is stubbornly refusing to accept their relationship "partly because she feels left out".<ref name="Loses">{{cite news |last1=Kilkelly |first1=Daniel |title=Emmerdale's Leyla Harding left furious after a new discovery |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/a32634016/emmerdale-spoilers-leyla-harding-leanna-cavanagh-discovery/ |access-date=29 March 2021 |work=[[Digital Spy]] |publisher=[[Hearst Magazines UK]] |date=22 May 2020 |archive-date=10 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210003225/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/a32634016/emmerdale-spoilers-leyla-harding-leanna-cavanagh-discovery/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Slinger explained that Liam's relationship with Leyla is difficult for Leanna since it makes her feel neglected. Leanna wants to be acknowledged by Liam, and for him to show his love for her. Slinger disagreed with her character's actions, opining that although Leanna wants Liam to be happy, she is seeming to "destroy any hope of that".<ref name="Friends" /> After Leyla's wedding business is vandalised, she suspects Leanna of being responsible for the damage. After being patient with Leanna's schemes against her, Leyla "finally loses it with Leanna".<ref name="Loses" /> Kilkelly (Digital Spy) wrote that the pair would be "set for a fiery showdown".<ref name="Loses" /> Slinger stated that due to her troublemaking nature, "all eyes are on Leanna",<ref name="Friends" /> but Kilkelly suspected that she would not be responsible for the crime.<ref name="Loses" /> The pair argue, and Leyla slaps Leanna. Leanna explains the situation to Liam and opens up to him. She tells him that she does not feel like she has a family anymore, and that she is not Liam's priority. He breaks up with Leyla, and Amy West of Digital Spy stated that Leanna has "finally got what she wanted".<ref>{{cite news |last1=West |first1=Amy |title=Emmerdale's Liam devastates Leyla as he sides with daughter Leanna after their recent bust-up |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/a32662420/emmerdale-liam-dumps-leyla-daughter-leanna/ |access-date=29 March 2021 |work=[[Digital Spy]] |publisher=[[Hearst Magazines UK]] |date=25 May 2020 |archive-date=10 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210003159/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/a32662420/emmerdale-liam-dumps-leyla-daughter-leanna/ |url-status=live }}</ref> However, after their breakup, Leanna sees that Liam is lonely as a single man. She then "hatches a plan" to get them back together.<ref name="Exclusive" />

Slinger explained that Liam's short-term relationships with women such as Maya, Bernice and Leyla "result in little stability for Leanna", and touched upon how Leanna "doesn't even have a family home".<ref name="Friends" /> Slinger concluded by opining that Leanna is never Liam's priority, which is what her character wants.<ref name="Friends" />

===Death=== On 28 June 2021, it was confirmed by ''Emmerdale'' that villain [[Meena Jutla]] ([[Paige Sandhu]]) would murder a character in forthcoming scenes. That same day, a trailer involving Meena, Leanna, Jacob, Gabby, [[David Metcalfe]] ([[Matthew Wolfenden]]) and [[Victoria Sugden]] ([[Isabel Hodgins]]) premiered on [[ITV (TV channel)|ITV]], with media outlets confirming that the latter five would be the potential victims of her murder.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sansome |first1=Jessica |title=Murder shock in Emmerdale as Meena takes first victim |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/tv/murder-shock-emmerdale-meena-takes-20902287 |access-date=2 July 2021 |work=[[Manchester Evening News]] |publisher=[[Reach plc]] |date=28 June 2021 |archive-date=3 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210703135957/https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/tv/murder-shock-emmerdale-meena-takes-20902287 |url-status=live }}</ref> Viewers immediately suspected that Meena would kill Leanna, accrediting Meena's motive to Leanna receiving a rucksack filled with suspicious items belonging to Meena.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Tutton |first1=Charlotte |title=Emmerdale character's fate 'sealed' in tragic 'foreshadowing' ahead of Meena murder |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/emmerdale-characters-fate-sealed-tragic-24441360 |access-date=2 July 2021 |work=[[Daily Mirror]] |publisher=[[Reach plc]] |date=1 July 2021 |archive-date=1 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210701200856/https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/emmerdale-characters-fate-sealed-tragic-24441360 |url-status=live }}</ref> Slinger addressed the possibility of it being her character by stating that Leanna does not realise she is in danger with Meena. She explained that the two have built up a friendship and that she is "completely oblivious to Meena's dark side".<ref>{{cite news |last1=West |first1=Amy |title=Emmerdale star Mimi Slinger addresses possibility Meena could kill Leanna |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/a36899650/emmerdale-mimi-slinger-meena-kill-leanna/ |access-date=2 July 2021 |work=[[Digital Spy]] |publisher=[[Hearst Magazines UK]] |date=1 July 2021 |archive-date=1 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210701211828/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/a36899650/emmerdale-mimi-slinger-meena-kill-leanna/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In an episode broadcast on 8 July 2021, Leanna discovers that Meena stole money from the gay pride collection in the village and tried to frame Jacob, as well as learning Meena murdered her best friend Nadine. Leanna tries to escape but is confronted by her on a bridge, which Meena throws her from.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Leung |first1=Yasmine |title=Who does Meena kill in Emmerdale? Fans left outraged by the murderer's behaviour |url=https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2021/07/06/who-does-meena-kill-in-emmerdale-fans-left-outraged-by-the-murderers-behavior/ |access-date=7 July 2021 |work=HITC |date=5 July 2021 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184433/https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2021/07/06/who-does-meena-kill-in-emmerdale-fans-left-outraged-by-the-murderers-behavior/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Slinger revealed that she announced her decision to leave the soap to the production team in 2020. Afterwards, executive producer Jane Hudson informed her in December 2020 that Leanna would die. She was shocked about the storyline, but was pleased "to be given the opportunity to be challenged and show [her] acting abilities".<ref name="Exit">{{cite news |last1=Kilkelly |first1=Daniel |title=Emmerdale star reacts to shock exit in Meena murder plot |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/a36968370/emmerdale-spoilers-shock-exit-meena-murder/ |access-date=10 July 2021 |work=[[Digital Spy]] |publisher=[[Hearst Magazines UK]] |date=8 July 2021 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709225847/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/a36968370/emmerdale-spoilers-shock-exit-meena-murder/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Slinger found filming her final scenes on ''Emmerdale'' emotional, particularly with McPherson, with whom she said that she shared "lots of tears" with.<ref name="Exit" /> She also enjoyed her scenes with Sandhu, noting that her ability to play a psychopath was scarily good. Slinger had to do a few stunts in order to film Leanna's death and revealed that herself and Sandhu required a stunt co-ordinator on set. She joked that since Leanna falls 40 feet from a bridge, she required a [[stunt double]] for that scene. Due to the [[impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on television]], cast and crew members on ''Emmerdale'' were not allowed within 6 feet of each other at the time of filming. However, since Leanna and Meena had to be closer than 6 feet, the two actresses formed a [[First COVID-19 tier regulations in England#Linked_households|bubble]]. This included isolating in a hotel for a number of days and taking regular COVID tests. Slinger was happy to have made the effort to bubble with Sandhu since it made the scenes "feel as real and raw as possible".<ref name="Exit" />

Slinger's last day of filming was unplanned since they had to abandon plans to film in the village due to torrential rain. She was then called in on her father's birthday to film the scenes of Leanna lying dead in the river. After filming had wrapped, director Paul Copeland made a speech and Slinger was given gifts by the production team. Reflecting on her experience on ''Emmerdale'', Slinger stated that the time had "flown by" but that she was glad to have learned from her fellow cast members, directors and producers.<ref name="Exit" /> When asked if she would miss her co-stars, she replied that she was already missing them by the time her exit aired in July, since she completed her filming in May 2021. She accredited McPherson and Shahidi with teaching her a lot about acting and mentioned Campbell and Bentham, with whom she formed friendships with. The actress concluded by stating that although she would miss ''Emmerdale'', it felt like the right time for her to depart and explore other opportunities.<ref name="Exit" /> She felt "grateful to say [she] was part of the ''Emmerdale'' family" and appreciated the memories she had made while on the soap, and thanked Leanna's fans for supporting her time on the soap.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Harp |first1=Justin |title=Emmerdale shares goodbye messages from Meena Jutla murder plot victim |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/a36973424/emmerdale-spoilers-leanna-exit-message-mimi-slinger/ |access-date=10 July 2021 |work=[[Digital Spy]] |publisher=[[Hearst Magazines UK]] |date=8 July 2021 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709225549/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/a36973424/emmerdale-spoilers-leanna-exit-message-mimi-slinger/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Reception== In scenes aired in June 2018, viewers "slammed" Leanna for her actions after she demands a reward for information about Amelia's disappearance.<ref name="Reward" /> She was described as "horrible" and a "devil child", and was compared to Gabby, her on-screen frenemy.<ref name="Reward" /> Then when Leanna then joked about Amelia's disappearance, viewers "reacted strongly" to the character, with Digital Spy stating that "viewers at home did not respond well to [her] remark".<ref name="Shocked" /> Viewers stated that they felt sorry for Slinger, due to the "floods of hate" she might receive for the hatred of her character.<ref name="Shocked" /> Leanna was branded as "evil", "vile" and a "horrible little bitch".<ref name="Shocked" /> ''[[OK!]]'' magazine labelled her a "troublemaker", but stated that she had "made her impact on the Dales with some hard-hitting storylines".<ref name="Who" /> Digital Spy wrote that Leanna's "harsh comments and diva attitude" had been the focus of viewership in 2018, and that her actions have "hardly in the good graces of viewers".<ref name="Villain" /> After scenes of her arguing with Maya aired, viewers suspected that Leanna's "horrible" attitude was caused by Maya.<ref name="Cow" /> They opined that she is looking out for her father, and that Leanna's distrust and dislike of Maya was "foreshadowing" a twist.<ref name="Cow" /> Digital Spy echoed the comments when they sensed that her "wild claims" about Maya may be true.<ref name="Villain" /> Viewers of ''Emmerdale'' were "sickened" by her death.<ref name="Sickened">{{cite news |last1=Knight |first1=Lewis |title=Emmerdale fans sickened as evil Meena horrifically murders Leanna in cold blood |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/emmerdale-fans-sickened-evil-meena-24492202 |access-date=10 July 2021 |work=[[Daily Mirror]] |publisher=[[Reach plc]] |date=8 July 2021 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709000834/https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/emmerdale-fans-sickened-evil-meena-24492202 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==References== {{Reflist}}

==External links== * [https://www.itv.com/emmerdale/articles/leanna-cavanagh Leanna Cavanagh] at [[itv.com]]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Cavanagh, Leanna}} [[Category:Emmerdale characters]] [[Category:British female characters in soap operas]] [[Category:English female characters in television]] [[Category:Female television villains]] [[Category:Fictional criminals in soap operas]] [[Category:Fictional murdered people]] [[Category:Teenage characters in soap operas]] [[Category:Television characters introduced in 2018]] [[Category:Deceased fictional characters]]