One of TV’s most devastating deaths ever as legend passes away
Hollyoaks spoilers follow for Wednesday’s (May 13) episode that is now available to view on Channel 4 streaming. The episode in question will air on E4 on at 7pm.
Diane Hutchinson (Alex Fletcher), Hollyoaks stalwart and soulmate of original show character Tony (Nick Pickard), has died in devastating scenes.
The landlady of the 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.
Diane has been at the helm of many a captivating storyline over the years, 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 every step of the way.
It was confirmed earlier this year that after 16 years, former Brookside star Alex would be stepping back from Hollyoaks. Diane was subsequently diagnosed with terminal ovarian cancer.
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 attempted chemotherapy to buy herself more time with Tony 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 month, Diane confided in Nancy Osborne (Jessica Fox) that she had less time left than she thought, confirming that it was just weeks left.
And her final scenes arrived this week, as she and Tony prepared to attend Ste Hay (Kieron Richardson) and Rex Gallagher’s (Jonny Labey) wedding, which had been brought forward in the wake of her diagnosis.
In the build up to the ceremony, Diane was concerned for Ro (Leo Cole), fearing that he was bottling things up once again.
Ro, who developed feelings for Rex, stormed into The Dog during a pre-wedding get together earlier this week, wanting to stop the wedding as he told everyone that groom-to-be Ste had slept with ex James Nightingale (Gregory Finnegan).
Despite this, the ceremony went ahead and, in emotional scenes, Tony took Diane to the dance floor and they swayed together as the attendees watched with teary eyes.
Today’s offering of the Channel 4 soap, which will air on E4 this evening, saw Diane – knowing that the end was approaching – record nursery rhymes for daughter Eva, reflecting on the happy memories of the past 16 years she had in Hollyoaks village.
Tony, meanwhile, praised Ro for being so brave and, with Diane feeling tired, he and the kids resolved to bring her some food upstairs.
In a bid to cheer Diane up, Ant (Brook Debio), Dee Dee (Chloe Atkinson) and Ro brought the party to her. An argument soon broke out between Ro and Dee Dee, with Tony sending the latter to her room.
Diane, meanwhile, became freezing and subsequently started to experience pain. After Tony assisted her in making her way to the bathroom, Diane said an emotional goodnight to her beloved kids before heading to her room.
Tony put her to bed and in emotional scenes she thanked him for making her so happy with their special dance earlier that day.
He resolved to return later to administer the remainder of her medication and, as he made it to the door, he shared a look of love with his one true love, who asked him to leave the door open so that she could hear her cherished family in what would prove to be her final moments.
With Tony, Ro, Ant and Dee Dee singing nursery rhymes to Eva to get her to sleep, Diane listened with a smile – and passed away in subsequent scenes.
Tony returned later in the evening and broke down as he realised that his beloved Diane had died.
Diane has been a staple of the Channel 4 soap since 2010 and it’s safe to say that her passing marks the end of an era. She’ll be missed.
