Hollyoaks’ Alex Fletcher explains emotional final scene after tragic death episode

Hollyoaks spoilers follow.

This week’s instalment of Hollyoaks marked the end of an era, as Diane Hutchinson tragically passed away after 16 years on the soap. The character, played by Alex Fletcher, died peacefully on Wednesday night, amid her recent battle with ovarian cancer.

Matriarch Diane spent her last day celebrating the wedding of Ste Hay and Rex Gallagher alongside her loving family. Later that night, viewers saw an emotional montage of her time in the village, before her devastated husband Tony discovered her lifeless body.

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Speaking exclusively with Inside Soap, Fletcher addressed her “special” exit and shared that the final scene she filmed was Tony and Diane’s last dance at the wedding.

“Kirsty-Leigh [Porter, who plays Leela] and all the kids were in bits, the camera wasn’t even on them!” she recalled. “It was special because Nick [Pickard, aka Tony] and I have been partners in crime for years, I love the bones of him and he’s one of the main reasons I stayed so long. He’s the ultimate professional on set and brings a real energy.”

She added: “I hope Tony doesn’t forget Diane, you know what he’s like – he’ll probably have a new girlfriend in about two weeks, the dirty dog!”

After being encouraged to watch her final scenes by the director, Fletcher described it as “some of the best work [she’d] ever done”.

“I don’t often give myself credit. But it’s a collective thing, everybody came together to make it special.”

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Over the last 16 years, Diane has been at the centre of several important storylines, including a baby swap, fertility issues, OCD and alcoholism.

Asked how she wants her character to be remembered, Fletcher highlighted Diane’s unwavering love for her family, saying: “She always gave people a chance. She was fair but fierce when it came to her kids – family was everything to her. Maybe she was a bit deluded with Tony, and took him back a few too many times!”

She added: “I’ve been lucky enough to be given quite gritty storylines you can relate to, I think people have felt sorry for her over the years.”

Hollyoaks is working on Diane’s story with support from Ovarian Cancer Action, the UK’s leading ovarian cancer research charity that focuses on early detection, prevention and treatments for the illness. Support and information are available via the charity’s website.