Note: This article contains discussion of cancer.
Hollyoaks spoilers follow.
Diane Hutchinson delivered some heartbreaking news during tonight’s episode of Hollyoaks, with the beloved character making the difficult decision to inform her children about her cancer diagnosis.
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It was confirmed earlier this month that Diane had been diagnosed with stage four ovarian cancer, and only had six months to live. Her husband Tony sought a second opinion, but a specialist in London confirmed that Diane’s condition was terminal.
Today’s instalment of the Channel 4 soap began with a crestfallen Tony reading through a letter from the oncologist, which Diane had been avoiding. After he confronted her, she explained that she wanted a break from her health battle.
Ste, meanwhile, was around the Hutchinson household to prepare for his wedding to Rex Gallagher, which he had agreed to bring forward in a bid to give Diane and the family some good memories before her passing.
After Diane got in a heated argument with Dee Dee, Ste urged Diane and Tony to inform their children about her diagnosis. He reasoned that it would quell some of the tension, while also giving them a clear, if upsetting, picture of their future.
Tony later confided in Ste, and shared how distressing it was to see Dee Dee take her anger out on her mother, especially given she didn’t know the full story. He also said it was tough to ignore a future without Diane, with Ste consoling his tearful friend.
Leela later arrived and Diane awoke, though she expressed nervousness at the prospect of telling her children. Leela, Ste and Tony all said it needed to be disclosed sooner rather than later, so they could “cherish” their remaining time together.
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After Dee Dee, Ant and Ro all returned home, Diane and Tony sat them all down at the table. She told them the sad news, with Dee Dee struggling to hold back the tears; Ant and Ro, meanwhile, were silent.
With the Hutchinson children now knowing everything, how will the family go about making Diane’s final few months a special time? And how will they cope knowing that their mother doesn’t have long left to live?
Hollyoaks airs on Mondays-Wednesdays with its Channel 4 streaming premiere at 7am, then an E4 broadcast the same night at 7pm. Full episodes are also released on YouTube a week after their Channel 4 release.
Selected omnibus episodes are available via Prime Video.
Read more Hollyoaks spoilers on our dedicated homepage
If you would like more information or support about living with cancer or treatment, please click here for guidance from Macmillan Cancer Support, or click here to learn more from Stand Up to Cancer.