{"id":567157,"date":"2026-05-05T09:28:21","date_gmt":"2026-05-05T09:28:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/567157\/"},"modified":"2026-05-05T09:28:21","modified_gmt":"2026-05-05T09:28:21","slug":"one-of-tvs-most-devastating-deaths-ever-as-legend-passes-away-soaps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/567157\/","title":{"rendered":"One of TV’s most devastating deaths ever as legend passes away | Soaps"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\"Tony
\n\t\tEnd of an era as Diane Hutchinson dies in Hollyoaks (Picture: Lime Pictures)<\/p>\n

Hollyoaks <\/a>is set to break the nation\u2019s heart next week when Diane Hutchinson<\/a> (Alex Fletcher<\/a>), show stalwart and soulmate of the legendary Tony<\/a> (Nick Pickard<\/a>), dies in devastating scenes<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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

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<\/a> and surviving a crossbow attack <\/a>\u2013 not to mention that affair with her husband\u2019s abusive dad<\/a> \u2013 with show star Alex proving a true powerhouse.<\/p>\n

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

\u2018This storyline has been a completely new challenge for me and something I\u2019ve never explored before,\u2019 said Alex when it was first announced. \u2018Unfortunately, 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.\u2019<\/p>\n

Tony was devastated when he learned of his wife\u2019s prognosis<\/a> but after a second opinion<\/a> backed up what the local Dee Valley doctors had already confirmed, he resolved to be by Di\u2019s side until the very end, making the most of the time they\u2019ve got left.<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Diane
\n\t\tDiane attends Ste\u2019s wedding with her family (Picture: Lime Pictures)<\/p>\n

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. <\/p>\n

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

Ahead of Ste Hay (Kieron Richardson<\/a>) and Rex Gallagher\u2019s (Jonny Labey<\/a>) wedding day, Nancy shares stolen glances with Diane, who is struggling<\/a> in the wake of her cancer update.<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Tony
\n\t\tTony whisks Diane up to the dance floor when her favourite song hits (Picture: Lime Pictures)<\/p>\n

Diane is also concerned for Ro (Leo Cole), fearing that he\u2019s bottling things up once again. Viewers will know that Ro uncovered the truth about Ste\u2019s infidelity with ex James Nightingale (Gregory Finnegan) and is unsure if he should inform Rex, who has developed feelings for him himself<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Ro ultimately resolves to tell Rex and storms into The Dog during a pre-wedding get together, wanting to stop the wedding. <\/p>\n

With Rex and Ste\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n

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\t\t\"Tony
\n\t\tEmotional scenes ensue as the longtime couple slow dance(Picture: Lime Pictures)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Tony
\n\t\tDiane is aware that the end of her life is nearing (Picture: Lime Pictures)<\/p>\n

The attendees attempt to keep spirits high and when Diane\u2019s favourite song starts to play, Tony whisks his one true love up to the dance floor \u2013 and there\u2019s not a single dry eye left in the pub as the soulmates share a special sway. <\/p>\n

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. <\/p>\n

\t\t\"Diane
\n\t\tDiane enjoys some time with Tony and the kids (Picture: Lime Pictures)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Ant
\n\t\tAnt and Dee-Dee take the party to Diane (Picture: Lime Pictures)<\/p>\n

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

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. <\/p>\n

\t\t\"Diane
\n\t\tTony worries about Diane as she reveals she is freezing (Picture: Lime Pictures)<\/p>\n

Diane is freezing, which concerns Tony, but she assures him that she\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n

With Tony and her children singing nursery rhymes to Eva to get her to sleep, Diane passes away peacefully.<\/p>\n

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

If you\u2019ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us\u00a0soaps@metro.co.uk<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 we\u2019d love to hear from you.<\/p>\n

Join the community by leaving a comment below and\u00a0stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Arrow
\nMORE: Hollyoaks spoilers confirm character return and coma shock after tragedy<\/a><\/p>\n

Arrow
\nMORE: Hollyoaks spoilers: Catastrophic tragedy as legends feared dead in explosive crash week<\/a><\/p>\n


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