HOLLYOAKS legend Alex Fletcher has quit the soap after 16 years playing Diane Hutchinson.
Alex, 49, told bosses of her decision to leave towards the end of last year and will film her emotional exit in the coming months.
Alex Fletcher has quit Hollyoaks after 16 yearsCredit: Rex Features
The actress has played Diane for 16 years in the Channel 4 soapCredit: Lime Pictures
Her departure will mean the end of one of soap’s most popular couples – and rumours are rife that she could be killed off.
Alex and co-star , who plays her on-screen husband Tony have been at the heart of for a number of years.
A Hollyoaks source said: “Alex is one of the show’s most popular characters both on and off screen – everyone just adores her.
“She has been at the heart of Hollyoaks alongside Nick for more than a decade and bosses are gutted she’s leaving.
“But they are doing everything they came to come up with a memorable and fitting exit for her much-loved character.”
Diane has been involved in some of the soap’s most high-profile storylines.
Her time in the village has seen her fall victim to a hospital baby swap mistake, face off against a serial killer and battle alcoholism.
Liverpool-born Alex shot to fame as a teenager playing Jqcqui Dixon in .
Her birthday back in October.
Yasmin, 20, played Jacqui’s daughter Esme, and filmed scenes with Brookside legends Sue Johnston and Ricky Tomlinson.
Alex did not reprise her role as Jacqui in the special – and just appeared as Diane instead.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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