Diane Hutchinson's (Alex Fletcher) loved ones are left in tears in Hollyoaks next week as they receive letters written by the beloved matriarch prior to her death. The legendary landlady of The Dog In The Pond, who was a stalwart of the Channel 4 soap for 16 years, passed away in devastating scenes last week after a battle with terminal ovarian cancer.
The unexpected diagnosis and subsequent prognosis left Diane shattered earlier this year, and thus she resolved to spend every minute she could making memories with her family. But after learning that she had even less time left than expected, Diane confided in Tony ahead of Ste (Kieron Richardson) and Rex's (Jonny Labey) wedding. The couple enjoyed an emotional dance during the event and, after saying goodnight to her kids, Di tragically died while listening to husband Tony (Nick Pickard) and children Ant (Brook Debio), Dee Dee (Chloe Atkinson) and Ro (Leo Cole) sing Eva to sleep.
Next week will see the Hutchinsons consumed with grief as Tony attempts to organise Diane's funeral in what proves to be an absolutely devastating time for the chef, who is determined to honour his beloved wife's wishes in being the rock his children need. But when it comes to writing the eulogy, he is struggling to find the right words.
Jack (Jimmy McKenna) and Leela Dexter (Kirsty-Leigh Porter) offer support, reminiscing on the loved ones they have lost over the years. Before leaving, Leela gives Tony letters that Diane had penned prior to her death – letters for him and the kids. Dee Dee breaks down while reading not just her own letter but the letters left by Di for all her siblings and Tony – and it is the one left for Tony that stops her in her tracks. The question is: just what does it entail?
Diane's final scenes aired last week, marking the end of star Alex Fletcher's 16-year stint in the show. "I think over the last 16 years, I have been so lucky," she told Metro. "I have been at the forefront of so many stories. I genuinely just thought: 'What else can I bring to it? I feel like I have done everything!' and I wanted to go when I was still enjoying it. I did not want to leave when I was feeling unhappy."
Hollyoaks streams Mondays to Wednesdays from 6am on Channel 4's streaming platform, or catch episodes on TV at 7pm on E4.
