Viewers Turn on Dawn Fletcher

Emmerdale fans are not holding back their opinions when it comes to Dawn Fletcher. Once seen as a layered character with the potential for big storylines, she is now facing harsh criticism from viewers who call her “useless” and an “absolute airhead.”

Played by Olivia Bromley since 2018, Dawn is the estranged wife of Billy Fletcher and the mother of Lucas Taylor and Evan Fletcher. Over the years, she has been part of emotional storylines, including troubled family dynamics and even an affair with Joe Tate. Yet despite this dramatic history, some fans believe her character has lost its spark.

Reddit Sparks Debate

The backlash ignited after a post appeared on the r/Emmerdale Reddit page. One frustrated fan wrote:
“Dawn! Will this ‘sell your soul to the devil’ character writing ever end, or has she become an absolute airhead?”

The blunt comment struck a chord. Several fans chimed in with agreement, complaining that Dawn has drifted into forgettable territory. One viewer stated: “Dawn is useless, she definitely needs to go. Also, she is a snooze.”

Another admitted: “Dawn once upon a time had so much potential, and now it’s zero.”

Fans Slam Dawn and Joe’s Romance

Much of the criticism stems from Dawn’s ongoing storyline with Joe Tate. Fans argue that the relationship makes little sense given Joe’s ambitions and Dawn’s family struggles.

One user commented:
“I don’t understand Dawn and Joe. Joe strikes me as someone who wants to carry on the Tate legacy. How can he do that when he’s with a woman who wasn’t even sure she wanted a third child with her husband? Meanwhile, Dawn can see that Joe is an absolute t*** of a human being but still chose him over Billy.”

The pairing has left many viewers baffled, with some questioning whether Dawn’s choices are out of character or simply poor writing.

Calls for a New Direction

Despite the criticism, fans still see opportunities for Dawn if the writers give her stronger material. One suggested she could thrive in a partnership with Ross, saying: “They could end up being an awesome ship in my opinion.”

Another fan took things in a more comedic direction, proposing: “Joe comes out as bisexual and he and Dawn become besties up to no good.”

These suggestions highlight that fans don’t necessarily want Dawn written out completely — they just want her to be more dynamic and engaging.

Frustration Builds

Dawn’s choice to leave Billy for Joe has especially soured some long-time fans. Even those who find Billy “bland” believe he was the better partner. One viewer pointed out the absurdity of her actions:
“Given that Joe revealing Will’s abandoned plans to deceive Kim triggered his heart attack, it is especially absurd for Dawn to fall for Joe of all people.”

Others expressed sheer boredom. One fan even joked: “I’m just so bored of them both, but especially Dawn. Can’t John do us all a solid and kill them off before he leaves?”

Where Does Dawn Go From Here?

Emmerdale thrives on complicated relationships and shifting loyalties, but the audience seems to have lost patience with Dawn’s arc. Her critics argue that she has gone from layered and sympathetic to flat and frustrating.

The question now is whether the writers will respond to the backlash by giving Dawn a more compelling storyline — or whether her time in the Dales is nearing its end.

For now, one thing is clear: Dawn Fletcher is one of the most divisive characters on Emmerdale, and fans aren’t afraid to say so.