HOLLYOAKS star Lacey Findlow has quit the soap after eight years.
The actress – who plays Dee Dee Hutchinson in the Channel 4 soap – has posted an emotional message after deciding to leave her role.
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She has played the adopted daughter of Tony and Diane Hutchinson since 2017, having taken over the role from Lily Harrington.
But now she is set to bow out next week after eight years.
Taking to Instagram, she wrote: “Next week will be the End of My Hollyoaks Era.
“What started as a six-month role turned into an unforgettable eight-year journey, and I couldn’t be more grateful.
“Dee Dee Hutchinson, it’s been a joy bringing you to life – from your very first line, ‘more pink’, to your final one, ‘NDA until the episode airs’. Thank you for the laughter, the friendships, the lessons, the encouragement and the overall experience.”
She went on to thank her drama school, The Drama Mob, former Hollyoaks boss Bryan Kirkwood and the casting directors of the soap.
Lacey added: “Nick Pickard and Alex Fletcher – for your patience, guidance, love and overall warmth on set , your support has been invaluable.
“Ela-May – for becoming my role model from our first meet in the underage green room.
“Isla, KK, Will, Ava and so many more special young actors we have had the pleasure of meeting along this journey – for truly genuine friendships.
“Ross, Lauren, JP, Eva and Parry – Team Hutch/Drinkwell forever.”
She added: “The Viewers for supporting Lacey along the way and for falling in love with little Dee Dee during her Encephalitis journey.
“And of course, thank you to the amazing hair & makeup, wardrobe, kitchen staff, crew, and cast who’ve all played a part in my journey.
“I’ll truly miss driving through the Childwall gates and stepping onto those iconic Hollyoaks sets.
From Hollyoaks to Hollywood
James Corden played a caretaker in the early days of the soap.
The former American TV host doesn’t have much positive to say about his time on the soap, claiming it was “hell on earth.”
Since his short-lived time on the show he has gone on to bigger things including smash hit comedy Gavin and Stacey.
Rachel Shenton joined the soap as aspiring glamour model Mitzeee Minniver in 2010.
Over two years her character was sent to prison, got pregnant and had a number of romantic affairs.
Since leaving Hollyoaks she has won an Oscar for best live action short film, The Silent Child.
Rachel has also starred in White Gold and All Creatures Great and Small
Emmett J. Scanlan played gangster turned anti-hero Brendan Brady.
Emmett played the love interest of Steve Hayes, with their romance delighting fans until it turned violent.
Since his departure Emmett has appeared in Peaky Blinders, The Fall, Gangs of London and even appeared in Guardians of the Galaxy
Emma Rigby joined Hollyoaks when she was 15 as Hannah Ahsworth.
Hannah’s eating disorder storyline was the first of it’s kind on TV while other plots included being caught in a fire, gangland drug dealing and running away.
Since leaving the soap in 2010 Emma has gone on to star in ABCs Once Upon a Time in Wonderland as the Red Queen. Other roles include guest appearances in Death In Paradise, Ripper Street and Fresh Meat
Nico Mirallegro got his big break with Hollyoaks starring as emo Barry ‘Newt’ Newton.
Nico’s main storyline in the soap was developing schizophrenia which culminated in a suicide pact.
He left the soap in 2010 and went on to star in My Mad Fat Diary, Our Girl, Rillington Place, The Ark and Common, Penance, as well as the Mike Leigh movie Peterloo and was nominated for a Bafta for his role in period drama The Village.
Ricky Whittle used Hollyoaks as a stepping stone to break America.
He played one of the soap’s resident hunks, Calvin Valentine, from 2006 to 2011 – when he was killed off at his wedding.
After leaving the soap Ricky cracked America starring in teen drama The 100 and America Gods.
He also appeared in Strictly Come Dancing in 2009.
Warren Brown joined Hollyoaks in 2005 for a year as evil Andy Holt.
His stint on the show consisted of date rape storylines and a crime spree, before eventually being killed off.
After leaving Hollyoaks, Warren became a big hitter in TV playing DS Justin Ripley in Luther, as well as major roles in a number of dramas including Liar, The Responder, Homefront and Good Cop.
Wallis Day played Holly Cunningham in the soap for years before leaving.
In 2021 Wallis won the role of Batwoman in DC’s series, taking over from Ruby Rose.
“But all incredible journeys must come to an end and I am forever grateful for how long this one lasted.
“I leave with a heart full of gratitude and memories I’ll cherish forever. Thank you, Hollyoaks.”
Her exit will air next week on the soap.
