One of TV’s most devastating deaths ever as legend passes away

End of an era as Diane Hutchinson dies in Hollyoaks (Picture: Lime Pictures)

Hollyoaks is set to break the nation’s heart next week when Diane Hutchinson (Alex Fletcher), show stalwart and soulmate of the legendary Tony (Nick Pickard), dies in devastating scenes.

The landlady of the local Dog in the Pond boozer has been a pivotal part of the Channel 4 soap for nearly two decades, having made her debut 16 years ago.

The character has been at the helm of numerous captivating storylines in the years since, from her whirlwind romance with Tony to her diagnosis with OCD and surviving a crossbow attack – not to mention that affair with her husband’s abusive dad – with show star Alex proving a true powerhouse.

It was confirmed earlier this year that after 16 years, former Brookside star Alex will be stepping back from Hollyoaks, with Diane subsequently diagnosed with terminal ovarian cancer.

‘This storyline has been a completely new challenge for me and something I’ve never explored before,’ said Alex when it was first announced. ‘Unfortunately, in some way or another many of us have been touched by cancer, I know my family certainly has this past year, so the storyline can be very relatable.’

Tony was devastated when he learned of his wife’s prognosis but after a second opinion backed up what the local Dee Valley doctors had already confirmed, he resolved to be by Di’s side until the very end, making the most of the time they’ve got left.

Diane attends Ste’s wedding with her family (Picture: Lime Pictures)

Diane attempted chemotherapy to buy herself more time with Tone and the kids but after she took a reaction to the drugs, she resolved to stop treatment to prevent it from impacting the quality of life.

In emotional scenes last week, Diane confided in Nancy Osborne (Jessica Fox) that she had less time left than she thought, confirming that it was just weeks left now instead of months.

Ahead of Ste Hay (Kieron Richardson) and Rex Gallagher’s (Jonny Labey) wedding day, Nancy shares stolen glances with Diane, who is struggling in the wake of her cancer update.

Tony whisks Diane up to the dance floor when her favourite song hits (Picture: Lime Pictures)

Diane is also concerned for Ro (Leo Cole), fearing that he’s bottling things up once again. Viewers will know that Ro uncovered the truth about Ste’s infidelity with ex James Nightingale (Gregory Finnegan) and is unsure if he should inform Rex, who has developed feelings for him himself.

Ro ultimately resolves to tell Rex and storms into The Dog during a pre-wedding get together, wanting to stop the wedding.

With Rex and Ste’s nuptials up in the air, the guests gather at The Dog on the day in question, wondering if the ceremony will go ahead or not.

Emotional scenes ensue as the longtime couple slow dance(Picture: Lime Pictures) Diane is aware that the end of her life is nearing (Picture: Lime Pictures)

The attendees attempt to keep spirits high and when Diane’s favourite song starts to play, Tony whisks his one true love up to the dance floor – and there’s not a single dry eye left in the pub as the soulmates share a special sway.

As the end of her life nears, Diane resolves to record nursery rhymes for daughter Eva, reflecting on the happy memories of the past 16 years she had in Hollyoaks village.

Diane enjoys some time with Tony and the kids (Picture: Lime Pictures) Ant and Dee-Dee take the party to Diane (Picture: Lime Pictures)

Tony, meanwhile, praises Ro for being so brave and, with Diane feeling tired, he and the kids resolve to bring her some food upstairs.

In a bid to cheer Diane up, Ant (Brook Debio), Dee Dee (Chloe Atkinson) and Ro bring the patty to her in what prove to be emotional scenes.

Tony worries about Diane as she reveals she is freezing (Picture: Lime Pictures)

Diane is freezing, which concerns Tony, but she assures him that she’s fine.Later, Tony puts her to bed and she takes a moment to thank him for making her so happy with their special dance. Before he goes, she asks him to leave the door open for her.

With Tony and her children singing nursery rhymes to Eva to get her to sleep, Diane passes away peacefully.

Hollyoaks airs these scenes w/c Monday May 11 at 7pm on E4 or watch from 6am on Channel 4 streaming.

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