There are tragic developments ahead in Hollyoaks, with the show confirming a devastating advanced ovarian cancer storyline for Diane Hutchinson.
It comes after beloved TV actress Alex Fletcher – also known as Brookside’s Jacqui Dixon – decided to step back from the role after 50 years, citing a hunger to try new projects now she has reached the milestone age of 50.
With it in mind both that Alex is a powerhouse actress who deserves the most impactful exit storyline, and the fact that Diane would never, under any circumstance, leave her children, Hollyoaks has decided to kill the character off.
In upcoming scenes, Diane will be diagnosed with cancer and the treatment options turn out to be very limited due to the advanced stage of the disease.
What will follow is a heartbreaking deterioration that will see Diane’s distraught family forced to lose her forever.
Diane will confide in her close friends, Nancy and Leela that she has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. With their encouragement, she finds the strength to tell her husband, Tony (Nick Pickard).
At this stage, the cancer has already spread to her lymph nodes, her liver, and the lining of her lungs. Whilst chemotherapy is an option, the doctors are not sure how affective it will be.
Hollyoaks has worked closely with the charity Ovarian Cancer Action who have advised on the storyline throughout the writing process. According to their studies, more than 75% of affected women are diagnosed at an advanced stage of ovarian cancer.
‘Ovarian cancer frequently goes unseen and undiagnosed until it’s too late, and often with life-changing consequences, Chief Executivie of Ovarian Cancer Action Cary Wakefiled explained.
‘We’re proud to partner with Hollyoaks to highlight the realities of this awful disease through a character so many viewers care deeply about.
‘Our hope is that this powerful storyline prompts more women to recognise the symptoms and be empowered to seek help sooner.’
Information on ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer is often diagnosed at a later stage, when survival is at its lowest. At the earlier stages, symptoms can be subtle and often mistaken for other issues such as IBS or menopause, and symptoms of late-stage disease can still be nonspecific.
There are several different types of ovarian cancer and type of cancer depends on the type of cell and tissue the cancer starts in.
According to Cancer Research UK, there are around 7,600 cases in the UK every year.
There are over 4,000 ovarian cancer deaths in the UK every year.
For more information, head to Cancer Research UK and Ovarian Cancer Action
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Alex Fletcher added: ‘This storyline has been a completely new challenge for me and something I’ve never explored before. Unfortunately, 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.
‘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.’
The scenes are likely to be a gut punch for viewers, with, as Alex says, the storyline being so relatable to many.
During her time in the show, Alex has been central to a number of issue-led storylines while playing Diane, including alcoholism and navigating the challenges of finding out her child is trans.
All of this has been while exploring the ups and downs of a turbulent yet surprisingly long lasting relationship with TV stalwart Tony.