Diane (Alex Fletcher)

Hollyoaks' Diane O'Connor makes a decision that's bound to be controversial in the coming days as she tries to cover up her stepdaughter Sinead's involvement in Esther Bloom's tragic bullying ordeal.

In must-see episodes of the Channel 4 soap airing next week, Diane is left disgusted and furious when she finally discovers how badly Sinead (Stephanie Davis) has treated Esther over the past few months.

As the dust settles, however, Diane has some shocking advice for Sinead as she instructs her to stay out of trouble by pinning all the blame on fellow bully Ruby Button…

We recently caught up with Alex Fletcher, who plays Diane, to hear her thoughts on the latest twists and turns in the Esther plot.

How do you feel about Diane being brought into the bullying storyline?
"I feel so lucky at the minute, because the Hollyoaks ratings have been the highest they've been in the last two years with this storyline, and to be part of that is just brilliant. Everyone's working hard and we've got our new producer Bryan [Kirkwood], who's just been absolutely fantastic.

"The bullying is such a big subject and it's been really interesting to see how all the different characters have reacted to it - and now you'll see how Diane deals with it."

The situation starts to kick off when a guilty Ruby comes to the O'Connor house and tries to reveal all about the bullying. How does Diane react?
"Ruby is very distressed when she comes round to the house, and she owns up to the fact that her and Sinead were the bullies. But Diane's reaction is, 'Do you know what? You're going to have to get out my house - I'm not having you spreading lies about my daughter!'

"Diane kicks Ruby out of the house and into the rain, and Ruby is in such a state that she ends up getting run over by Jack in his car. Then that's another web that Diane is caught up in!"

What happens next?
"Diane decides to look through Sinead's laptop and that's when she sees evidence that Sinead was one of the bullies. She then gives Sinead the opportunity to tell her the truth, but Sinead still doesn't admit it.

"It all kicks off as Diane gets Sinead's laptop, smashes it up and slaps her around the face! She asks Sinead how could she do this - how could she treat another human being in that way? Diane orders Sinead to bring Ruby back round, as she wants to have it out with the two of them. But Sinead explains that Ruby is in hospital after just being run over, so it's just a big massive knock-on effect."

What was the slapping scene like to film?
"It was a funny one, because we did a scene when I first started where Stephanie had to hit me. Both of them are quite volatile characters and I think that's where the bullying comes from. Diane has got that aggressive side in her and she uses her hands to express herself, which is not right. Diane is almost bullying Sinead herself by the way she reacts.

"We did have contact when we filmed the slapping scene - we didn't go for a fake slap. It was the same when we did it a couple of years ago, and it's better because you just get a more natural reaction. It didn't require too many takes, so Steph was okay and she survived! I felt awful, though, and I was hugging her between takes!"

In the end, Diane makes a shocking decision about how to deal with the bullying situation… What can you tell us about that?
"Diane decides that they should just cover up Sinead's involvement and pin the blame on Ruby. That's really awful to play because you think, 'Would someone really do that?' But I think some mums definitely would to save their own kids' skins.

"Diane is also going for a promotion at the college and she's got the opportunity to be Head of Student Welfare, so everyone's position is compromised. Diane also tells Sinead, 'If you admit you're a bully, you've got no future for you and your little baby'.

"Diane doesn't mention herself in those discussions with Sinead, but she's definitely thinking of her own position too. Bearing in mind that she's a one-parent family, she's probably thinking of her job quite a bit. So she just brushes it under the carpet, which is awful. It's a really strong week and I don't think Diane and Sinead are going to be the most popular!"

As a mum yourself, how do you feel about Diane's decision?
"In real life, I wouldn't cover up for anybody - I'm too honest! I wouldn't want to bring my family up to behave in that way at all, so if Sinead was my daughter, I'd expose her. There's no way that I'd cover up for anyone.

"But it was really, really interesting to play something completely opposite to the way I'd behave in real life. When I was saying the lines, I realised that some people really would react this way in the real world, but that's what made it brilliant.

"I think Sinead is a carbon copy of Diane in many ways, and she gets all of her bullying traits from her, as Diane is quite a tough cookie. She decides to bury this bullying problem, and I think Diane has got a few other things buried in the closet, to be honest with you.

"The viewers seem to be quite fond of Diane, but now I think they'll see a completely different side of her!"


You must be proud of the work that Steph has done on the storyline.
"Absolutely - she's one of the best actresses that I've ever worked with. She doesn't realise how good she is, that's what's so natural about her. Steph doesn't have to try, she's just got it naturally and she's fab. I do have to put her in her place now and then, especially when she's better than me in a scene! (Laughs.) But she's wicked."

On a separate note, a lot of viewers were expecting a Diane and Liam romance last year! Do you think they would have been a good match?
"I think Liam was just a bit of eye candy for Diane, and she realised it was nice to have a little attraction to someone. But I think they had more of a brother and sister relationship. We did a kiss under the mistletoe at Christmas and Liam said it was like kissing his sister, so Diane really had no chance there! But Liam is gorgeous and James who plays him is a really nice lad too."

How do you feel about the Hollyoaks fans always asking for more Diane scenes?
"Honestly, I can't tell you how much I appreciate that. I think really that's what's kept me in the programme - just the fact that people do say, 'We want to see more Diane'. It's brilliant to see that feedback. It's not always healthy to believe your own press, but it's really nice and reassuring.

"I think Diane is a good character, and with the way that the show is going now, it is very much storyline-based and it's all about the families. The scripts are just absolutely brilliant at the minute and Hollyoaks is well on its way to going in a new direction. Everyone's buzzing, and I am really grateful for the people who do show their support."

The O'Connor clan joined as a foursome but only two remain! Do you miss the rest of your on-screen family?
"Of course I do. When we found out they were going for a while, it was sad because we all came into the show together. But then again, I think it's nice to have that single mum and daughter situation. That's the reality of life and there's a lot of single parents out there.

"Although I do like that, it's not to say that the rest of the family won't make a comeback. It may not be just the two of us forever, but I can't say any more than that!"

Do Diane, Martha and Myra have any more scenes on the way?
"Oh yeah, I loved the scenes we did together and the viewers really seemed to like them. I've got quite a bit coming up with Carli, who plays Martha.

"Like I say, the focus is not just on the kids anymore - it's a good mix of everybody and there's loads more stuff to come. I've got so many scripts at the moment that I can't carry my bag as it's so heavy! It's brilliant."

Whenever your name is mentioned, people remember Brookside's Jacqui Dixon. How do you feel about people still talking about her so many years on?
"It's brilliant - I really didn't realise she was so popular! I'm really proud of that as it was my whole upbringing and I played that character for 15 years. It's nice now to get a bit of Diane recognition too, but Jacqui was brilliant and she's a tough one to beat. I'm doing my best to get Diane at that level, but I'm only two and a half years in!

Hollyoaks bosses have lined up a big new storyline for Diane O'Connor as she looks set to finally get the baby she's always dreamt of, Digital Spy can reveal.

Diane, played by Alex Fletcher, discovers that she is pregnant later this month after her recent nights of passion with Tony Hutchinson (Nick Pickard).


Regular viewers will know that Diane has always desperately wanted a baby of her own, but it won't be plain sailing for her as she is unsure how much support she can expect from Tony.

A show source told us "Diane knows that her fling with Tony wasn't anything serious and his heart has always belonged to Jacqui McQueen.

"At first she's reluctant to tell Tony about the baby, but she finally plucks up the courage to let him know that he's going to be a father again.

"With Jacqui bowing out from the village soon, there may still be a chance of Tony and Diane becoming a proper couple, but viewers will have to wait and see how it pans out."


Another major obstacle for the pair will be Tony's upcoming battle with testicular cancer. As previously revealed, the businessman will be diagnosed with the illness in early May.

The insider added: "With a baby on the way and serious health problems to worry about, Tony is going to have a lot on his plate. There are interesting times ahead for him and Diane."

Diane's early months on Hollyoaks in 2010 saw her undergoing IVF treatment, as she hoped for a child of her own after raising stepkids Sinead and Finn.

More recently, Diane has agreed to adopt Sinead's baby son when he arrives later this year.

Hollyoaks airs weeknights at 6.30pm on Channel 4, with first look screenings at 7pm on E4

Hollyoaks bosses have lined up a big new storyline for Diane O'Connor as she looks set to finally get the baby she's always dreamt of, Digital Spy can reveal.

Diane, played by Alex Fletcher, discovers that she is pregnant later this month after her recent nights of passion with Tony Hutchinson (Nick Pickard).


Regular viewers will know that Diane has always desperately wanted a baby of her own, but it won't be plain sailing for her as she is unsure how much support she can expect from Tony.

A show source told us "Diane knows that her fling with Tony wasn't anything serious and his heart has always belonged to Jacqui McQueen.

"At first she's reluctant to tell Tony about the baby, but she finally plucks up the courage to let him know that he's going to be a father again.

"With Jacqui bowing out from the village soon, there may still be a chance of Tony and Diane becoming a proper couple, but viewers will have to wait and see how it pans out."


Another major obstacle for the pair will be Tony's upcoming battle with testicular cancer. As previously revealed, the businessman will be diagnosed with the illness in early May.

The insider added: "With a baby on the way and serious health problems to worry about, Tony is going to have a lot on his plate. There are interesting times ahead for him and Diane."

Diane's early months on Hollyoaks in 2010 saw her undergoing IVF treatment, as she hoped for a child of her own after raising stepkids Sinead and Finn.

More recently, Diane has agreed to adopt Sinead's baby son when he arrives later this year.

Hollyoaks airs weeknights at 6.30pm on Channel 4, with first look screenings at 7pm on E4

I thought she couldnt have kids

ah jez tony deserves better than that bore diane even back with cindy is better

Diane O'Connor discovers she's having twins

Hollyoaks star Alex Fletcher has revealed that she wants her character Diane O'Connor to do the right thing if she ever learns of stepson Finn's dark crime.

Finn viciously attacked his teacher John Paul McQueen in a male rape storyline earlier this month. As John Paul did not name his attacker when he reported the incident to the police, nobody else in the village is currently aware of what Finn has done.

Last year, Diane tried to cover for stepdaughter Sinead (Stephanie Davis) after discovering that she had targeted Esther Bloom in a serious case of bullying. Viewers are now waiting to see how Diane will react if she learns the truth about Finn.

Fletcher last night (January 30) spoke to Digital Spy about the storyline at the launch of Pentahotel Warrington, which was organised by Mason Media and 20 Ten Entertainment.

She commented: "I don't really know how Diane is going to react yet. From a public's point of view, I hope that if Diane discovers the truth, she will hand Finn in. They could be controversial and show a mother who keeps her mouth shut to protect her kids, but I hope that doesn't happen in this situation, because I think that would be awful.

"I'd like to think at some point Diane will realise that Finn has made the biggest mistake of his life and she will do the right thing. But we haven't got to that point in the story yet."

Discussing the scenes which are currently being filmed, Fletcher continued: "Diane still hasn't got a clue about what happened. She thinks Finn is her rock, really. She's got Sinead, who takes the attention from anybody and everybody. At the moment, Sinead is causing real dramas. We've been doing really good stuff, though. I'm picking up so many scripts at the minute."

The actress also heaped praise on actors Keith Rice and James Sutton, who play Finn and John Paul, for their portrayal of such a sensitive storyline.

She said: "Keith has had such a huge responsibility, and even I was a bit scared for him. I was worried about how the public would react to him, because he's only young. People forget sometimes that it's not real and you are playing a character, but Keith takes everything in his stride.

"Keith is so professional and he really cares about what he's doing. I was nervous to watch the rape episode because I was nervous for him, but I was really glad over the way it was shot because it was handled very responsibly.

"I think James Sutton has also been fantastic with the way he's played it. It's disturbing to watch, but it's also great to see something which is at that level of performance and drama."

Hollyoaks airs weeknights at 6.30pm on Channel 4, with first look screenings at 7pm on E4.

Hollyoaks' Diane O'Connor has a busy few weeks ahead on screen as her ongoing family dramas escalate.

Next week's episodes see Diane forgive her partner Tony Hutchinson (Nick Pickard) and agree to marry him after all, only for her big day to be ruined when the police come calling.

Beyond that, there's also a devastating time ahead for Diane and the rest of the O'Connors as Sinead's baby daughter Katy tragically dies.

Digital Spy recently caught up with Alex Fletcher, who plays Diane, to hear more about the upcoming storylines.

How would you describe the current state of Diane and Tony's relationship?
"At the moment, Tony is sleeping on the sofa and Diane's attitude is that she's done with him for the time being. They have the twins, so they're just together for the children and the sake of the business. It's not ideal, but Diane doesn't know what else she's expected to do."

Next week, we see that Tony hasn't been entirely honest with Diane. What happens?
"A load of balloons turn up with 'Mr and Mrs' on them! Diane realises that Tony hasn't cancelled any of their wedding arrangements, obviously in the hope that she'll change her mind. Diane makes it clear that the wedding is off and the only aisle she'll be walking down is the one in Price Slice to get a loaf of bread!

"Tony is gutted when Diane says this. She's quite sad as well, but she's struggling to forget how deceitful Tony has been and how he put them in danger with Trevor. Diane starts to feel really bad about things, because he's so apologetic for everything he's done."

You had some memorable scenes last month when Diane confronted Trevor. You must be proud that she's one of the only characters who's ever challenged him and come out on top!
"Yeah! I loved those scenes where Diane destroyed Trevor's fish tank! I genuinely think that she wasn't scared of him. It was nice to see Trevor a bit unnerved, and I think he quite liked that. I think Trevor gets Diane - he craves that bit of normality, but then he likes women to have a bit of bite as well. I think he admired Diane for having so much front!"

There's also another row between Diane and Tony next week. Why do things kick off again?
"Diane goes to the restaurant and walks in on what she thinks is Tony having a right old laugh and a flirt with Leela. I think Diane is more bothered by the fact that it's the first time she's seen Tony laugh in a long time. Diane confronts Tony and he explains that he's just trying to cheer Leela up, because she's just found out that her sister Peri has a brain tumour.

"Diane apologises, but when Tony still seems to be flirting with Leela, she gets annoyed again and thinks he could at least wait until she's off the premises! She decides that Tony isn't the only one who's going to have some fun that night, so she throws her apron off and storms off to The Dog."

What makes Diane change her mind about Tony again?
"When Diane is drowning her sorrows at the pub, Darren talks her round and points out that they've all done stuff they regret. Darren says that while Tony was in the wrong, it was genuinely a one-off and Diane obviously still loves him.

"Diane takes that on board and goes back to The Hutch to start flirting with Tony. It all becomes quite playful and they have a bit of a food fight. It was actually brilliant filming all that - I've never thrown food at anybody before! Diane starts to realise how much she loves Tony and how she doesn't want anyone else to have him."
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Diane prepares to marry Tony
© Lime Pictures
Diane prepares to marry Tony

How does the surprise wedding come about?
"Tony admits to Diane that he still hasn't cancelled everything, so he asks her whether she'll marry him. Diane is surprised, but she decides to go ahead with it and she's very happy.

"Unbeknownst to Diane, in the meantime, Sinead has been to the flat to try and see baby Katy behind her back. Diane is really annoyed at Finn, as he's been helping Sinead. There's a big fall-out with Sinead, and it gets worse when she finds out about the wedding and the fact that she hasn't been invited."

Sinead then manages to ruin the day…
"Yes, Sinead overhears a conversation between Ste and Tony about the drugs, which Tony has brought back to the flat accidentally. Sinead now knows that there's drugs in the flat, so she tips off the police out of revenge. Just as Diane is about to leave for the wedding, the police arrive with sniffer dogs and she gets arrested. She doesn't have a clue what's going on!"

Did Diane have mixed feelings about not inviting Sinead?
"I think at the moment, Diane is just trying to give Sinead a bit of distance and space. She can't really have Sinead there anyway, because baby Katy will be at the wedding and it's up to social services to decide when Sinead can have contact with her. It's not like Diane is being totally unreasonable or mean - she genuinely can't invite her."
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Sonny turns up with a warrant
© Lime Pictures
Sonny turns up with a warrant
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Diane is devastated by Sonny's raid
© Lime Pictures
Diane is devastated by Sonny's raid

Will this put Diane and Tony on the rocks again, or will they remain stable?
"They're not going to be stable! I don't think the O'Connors know the word 'stable'!"

Do you prefer playing their relationship when they're having problems?
"I do love the drama, but then I did really enjoy doing the lighter stuff with the flirting and the food fight. It's nice to remember what Diane and Tony were like when they were happy, but I do like all the dramatic stuff that we can sink our teeth into."

Does Diane want Sinead to get baby Katy back eventually?
"Yeah, I think she genuinely does think that Sinead deserves to have Katy back eventually, but she's got to prove herself and abide by the rules first. Diane feels that Sinead can't create all of these dramas and expect to get away with it. Sinead has been a prostitute, she's sold drugs and she's put blood in the baby's nappy. Diane doesn't know what she's thinking sometimes. She just feels that she doesn't know Sinead anymore."
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Sinead and Diane wait by Katy's bedside.
© Lime Pictures
Sinead and Diane

It's been revealed that the Katy story takes a tragic turn when she dies next month. How have you found being involved in such a sad story?
"It's such a sensitive storyline, but we had a bereavement counsellor from Child Bereavement UK come in to talk to me and Steph about how people do react in these circumstances."

What do you think of Hollyoaks exploring the issue?
"I think the storyline is going to be more about the relationship between Diane and Sinead. Everyone is pointing the finger at Sinead, but she's done nothing wrong and that's what is even more heartbreaking.

"For Diane it'll be a question of whether she could have prevented this if she'd listened to Sinead. But a lot of facts have been thrown at Diane beforehand. She hasn't made a flippant decision that Sinead is a bad mum - she's been told that by the experts."

Do you hope Diane can turn things around and support Sinead?
"I hope so! But it's going to be very difficult to reach that point for them both."



Read more: http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s1...#ixzz2wTl4roTu

Alex Fletcher has revealed that her character Diane O'Connor will face a crisis of conscience in the week of Finn's rape trial.

Finn could finally be about to get his comeuppance next week as he stands trial for the rape of John Paul McQueen and attempted rape of Nancy Osborne, but Diane has decided to stand by her stepson by giving him a false alibi for the night of Nancy's attack.

Once the trial gets under way, Diane faces a frightening ordeal of her own when she falls and hits her head on a table when confronting an intruder at The Hutch after hours.

Diane is admitted to hospital in the aftermath and when Nana McQueen decides to pay her a visit, Diane is forced to listen to some home truths about her evil stepson.

Fletcher told All About Soap: "Nana comes to see her as a last resort. Diane thinks it's one of the McQueen clan who attacked her in the restaurant, but Nana assures her it wasn't and she just wants to talk.

"She tells Diane she understands as a mum what she's going through, but then asks Di if she really sees a broken man who's been raped when she looks into Finn's eyes. Nana says that's what she sees in John Paul."

Asked whether Diane then rethinks her false alibi, Fletcher replied: "She doesn't really give much away, but that conversation with Nana does get her thinking. She's still struggling to believe her son has raped someone - how could you ever comprehend that?

"Until this point, Diane thinks it's just a white lie. Of course, it's actually a huge lie and Diane's starting to realise she needs to tell the truth. But all the way to court, she doesn't let on how she's feeling and I can't tell you if she does do the right thing in the end."

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz...ns-affair.html

finally she discovers the truth