Hollyoaks spoilers follow.
Hollyoaks star Alex Fletcher has explained her decision to leave the Channel 4 soap after 16 years in the role of Diane Hutchinson, with the actor sharing that she wanted to explore new opportunities.
It was reported last month that Fletcher had decided to call time on her stint in the series, with the departure being officially confirmed today as the exit storyline for the beloved character was mapped out.
Speaking to BBC News, the actor explained that it wasn’t an easy decision to make, sharing: “I’ve got real mixed emotions as you can imagine. But it was my choice – I just thought the character has done everything.
“I’ve had 16 amazing years. They’ve flown by. I’m 50, and this is not a rehearsal, as clichéd as that sounds. Life is really not a rehearsal and I thought, ‘If I don’t do it this year, when am I going to do it?’
“My agent’s working really hard behind the scenes. It’d be nice for me to do something completely different. I’d love to do a comedy or I’d like to be a scullery maid in the kitchens in a period drama.”
Lime Pictures
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Diane’s exit storyline will see her be diagnosed with ovarian cancer, with upcoming scenes depicting the character informing husband Tony and her close friends about her health battle.
The issue-based storyline has been developed in collaboration with Ovarian Cancer Action, with the charity having advised during the writing process. At the point of Diane’s diagnosis, the cancer is at an advanced stage.
“This storyline has been a completely new challenge for me and something I’ve never explored before,” said Fletcher in a statement. “Unfortunately, in some way or another many of us have been touched by cancer – I know my family certainly has this past year.”
Ean Flanders//Lime Pictures
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“The storyline can be very relatable. At times it’s been difficult to film but I’m glad that Hollyoaks are telling this story and raising awareness about ovarian cancer, with the hope that it encourages people to prioritise their health.”
In the interview with BBC News, Fletcher explained that the storyline was “very close” to her “heart” after a family member was diagnosed with cancer, with the actor adding that they wanted to “raise awareness” with the arc.
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.
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