developing OCD, and becoming a suspect when Mercedes McQueen (Jennifer Metcalfe) is shot in a "whodunit" storyline. The character went on a brief hiatus in autumn 2015. Diane's last appearance was on 28 October 2015, however, the character returned to screens on 2 February 2016. In March 2016, Fletcher announced her pregnancy and that she would be taking maternity leave, not confirming whether or not she would return to Hollyoaks after. Fletcher filmed her exit scenes in May 2016 and Diane's exit storyline saw her and Tony offered jobs in France in a restaurant, however when the day arrived, Tony stayed behind to help relapsed drug addict, Ste whilst Diane left for France. Diane's exit scenes aired on 13 July 2016. In December 2016, it was announced that Diane was to return in the New Year with her niece Lily Drinkwell, played by Lauren McQueen. Diane's return scenes aired on 4 January 2017. In 2018, Fletcher and Pickard were nominated for Best Partnership at the Inside Soap Awards. Casting In 2010, Hollyoaks acquired a new series producer, Paul Marquess. After his appointment, Marquess embarked on the show's rejuvenation and axed a number of cast members. Marquess revealed that many fantastic new characters had been created to compensate for the departures. Following the announcement of the new Sharpe and Costello families, Marquess told Inside Soap that a third new family would be introduced. The O'Connor family, described as a "four-member Liverpudlian tribe", were announced on 16 June 2010. It was announced that Fletcher had been cast in the role of step-mother of two, Diane. Gary Cargill was cast as Diane's husband, Rob, and Stephanie Davis and Connor Wilkinson were cast as her stepchildren, Sinead and Finn respectively. Of her role, Fletcher said, "I am delighted to be back filming at Lime Pictures where I started my career on Brookside - then Mersey TV. I worked with Paul on Brookside and I'm thrilled and honoured to be working with him again, especially as this is such an exciting time for Hollyoaks." Marquess commented, "We're very excited about the arrival of the O'Connors who burst onto screens in August with a very dramatic story-line. And I'm personally very excited to work with the fantastic Alex Fletcher again." Fletcher began filming her scenes in mid-June. She said working on the show is practical as she does not have to relocate. Character development Characterisation Diane