Hollyoaks star Helen Pearson, who plays pub landlady Francine ‘Frankie’ Osborne on the show, is set to leave the show after 15 years.
Helen, who first appeared on the soap back in 2002, filmed her final scenes last month, a source told The Sun, calling her a “soap legend”.
“[Helen’s] absence will really be felt as she is part of the furniture at Hollyoaks.
“But she’s off to pastures new and it has been a really hard decision.”
Helen’s character Francine’s shock exit will air on the show later this month, as former husband Johno Dean (played by Colin Wells) returns after 12 years.
On the show, Francine and Johno split up back in 2005, after Johno betrayed his family with a marital affair.
Since Johno left, Francine got remarried to Jack Osborne – and though their marriage has been rocky, for instance after Francine’s affair with Ziggy – Jack has remained dedicated to her.
Francine has also suffered a devastating miscarriage during the show back in 2006.
In the story line, Francine wants Johno back, and he offers her a chance to run away with him and become a Cher tribute act on the road, according to Digital Spy.
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She is the longest standing female character on the show, which is filmed in Childwall, Liverpool, and we wonder what form her exit will take her long estranged partner returns.
Before Hollyoaks, Helen appeared on both EastEnders (playing April McIntosh in 1990) and Emmerdale (playing Carol Wareing from 2000 to 2001).
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While we can only speculate about her next move – perhaps to another new soap, or something different altogether – we wish all the best for the long serving soap actress.