Emmerdale's Diane Sugden returns to the ITV soap next week for its 50th anniversary, amid the heartbreaking death of Faith Dingle.
Diane actress Elizabeth Estensen is reprising her role for a brief comeback, after quitting last year, tying in with the soap's milestone and the death of fan favourite Faith.
Faith is battling cancer, and her health has deteriorated in recent weeks with the cancer having spread - and next week, she will take her own life.
Her difficult decision comes after she shared her concerns that as her cancer worsens, she fears could be in pain, become unable to communicate, and lose control of who she is - despite the best efforts of palliative care.
Now, new spoilers have confirmed when she will die as she passes away in scenes next week leaving her family devastated.
But despite her talks with Moira, it's revealed Faith decides to end her days alone without anyone there - while her plan is soon rumbled, but it's too late.
Before this, Faith gets to spend time with pal Diane as she makes a surprise return for Faith's final days.
She heads back to join Faith and others for a day with friends, to make memories with her before she passes away.
Estensen's character Diane had been at the heart of Emmerdale for more than two decades, before she quit the role in 2021.
On her decision to retire from the programme Elisabeth Estensen said: “For the past 22 years I have loved playing Diane Sugden - she’s kind, reliable and fiercely loyal.
“However, I now feel the time has come to say goodbye. Emmerdale will always remain special to me. I’ve been treated with respect and kindness and I’ve had the very best friends and colleagues, both past and present. I’ll miss everyone dearly.”
John Whiston Managing Director of Continuing Drama and Head of ITV in the North: “For 22 years, Liz has shone through the screen and into our living rooms as the natural heart and centre of the Sugden family.
It's a role she has made so totally her own, bringing compassion, humour and credibility to her portrayal of Diane.
"Whenever she's on screen, as a viewer, you just let out a contented sigh and say to yourself 'The Queen is on her throne and all is well with the world'. And off screen, you don't get to stay in a soap that long unless you are a truly professional actor and really, really lovely person. Liz is both."
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV, with an hour-long episode on Thursdays.
