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'I'm excited for new challenge after 16 years on Hollyoaks'

Lauren HirstNorth West
News imageLime Pictures Diane Hutchinson, played by Alex Fletcher, is wearing a denim dress and smiling at the camera.Lime Pictures
Alex Fletcher has played the role of Diane Hutchinson since 2010

Spoiler warning: This article reveals details from upcoming episodes of Hollyoaks.

Hollyoaks actress Alex Fletcher said she was excited to explore new roles as she bids farewell to the popular soap after 16 years.

Fletcher, who plays the role of mum-of-four Diane Hutchinson, said she made the emotional decision to leave the show last year.

"I've got real mixed emotions as you can imagine," said Fletcher, who shot to fame as Jacqui Dixon in Brookside in 1990.

"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 cliche 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?'"

Fletcher said she was excited for what the future holds but could not go into more detail.

"My agent's working really hard behind scenes," she said.

"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."

News imageLime Pictures Diane Hutchinson, played by Alex Fletcher, and Tony Hutchinson, played by Nick Pickard, are sitting on a couch in a living room and appear emotional. Tony is holding a piece of paper in his hands with information of Diane's diagnosis.Lime Pictures
Her departure will mean the end of one of soap's most popular couples

In upcoming episodes, Diane is set to confide in her close friends that she has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer before finding the strength to tell her husband Tony, played by Nick Pickard.

At this stage, the cancer is advanced and she is advised that treatment may not be effective.

Fletcher said while it had been difficult to film the story line, she hoped it would raise awareness of the disease and encourage "people to prioritise their health".

"As busy women, we overlook ourselves and we just get on with it," she said.

"If anything comes from the story line, I just hope that it does raise awareness.

"We don't want to frighten people either, but that's the nature of the story."

News imageLime Pictures The Hutchinson family - featuring parents Diane and Tony Hutchinson with three of their children - are sat on a couch for this posed promotional image. Lime Pictures
The story will explore how the Hutchinson family and in particular their teenage children cope with the diagnosis

Her characters's cancer diagnosis is something she understands sadly only too well.

"The story line is close to my heart as my uncle John, who is like a brother to me, has been undergoing cancer treatment," she said.

"It has been a long and challenging process but thankfully the treatment is working and we are hopeful we will be ringing the bell soon."

Hollyoaks have worked closely with the charity Ovarian Cancer Action who have advised on the story line throughout the writing process.

According to their studies, more than 75% of affected women are diagnosed at an advanced stage of ovarian cancer.

Cary Wakefield, chief executive of Ovarian Cancer Action, said: "Our hope is that this powerful storyline prompts more women to recognise the symptoms and be empowered to seek help sooner."

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