June 23rd 2024.
It's always bittersweet when our favorite soap characters leave the show, but it's even more shocking when it's a beloved icon like Gail Platt from Coronation Street. After an incredible 50-year run, actress Helen Worth is bidding farewell to the cobbles, and we can't help but wonder how her exit will be portrayed. Of course, Gail deserves a happy ending, and this got us thinking about the best sunset farewells that soap land has given us over the years. So, without further ado, let's take a trip down memory lane and relive some of the most heartwarming goodbyes in EastEnders, Emmerdale, Coronation Street, and Hollyoaks. Are you ready? Let's dive in!
First up, we have the iconic duo of Kat Slater and Alfie Moon from EastEnders. In a surprising turn of events, Alfie ended up with Kat's sister Little Mo, but it was only a matter of time before order was restored. Before her passing, Nana Moon made Kat promise to make Alfie happy. On Christmas Day in 2005, as Alfie was planning a solo trip around the world, he couldn't bear to leave Kat behind. As snow fell on the Square, a barefoot Kat fell into Alfie's arms, and the couple drove off on an adventure across America. It was a pure romantic moment, and one of EastEnders' most delightful Christmas episodes.
Next, we have Zoe Tate's exit from Emmerdale in 2005. After creating a huge impact on the show, Zoe was charged with attempted murder when she injected Scott Windsor with ketamine, trying to defend herself from his attempted rape. She tried to run away with her daughter Jean and nephew Joseph, but was blackmailed into staying and selling Home Farm at a low price by Sadie King. With the help of Paddy Kirk's testimony, Zoe was set free, and she and Callum Rennie caused a gas explosion at Home Farm before leaving the village for good. It was a satisfying end to an intense storyline, and we couldn't help but feel a little bit of glee watching Zoe drive away as the new owners arrived.
In 1987, after 23 years of living on the street, Coronation Street's beloved Hilda Ogden took a new job as a housekeeper and left Weatherfield for good. On Christmas Day, she was given a heartwarming send-off at The Rovers Return, where she sang her trademark song "Wish Me Luck As You Wave Me Goodbye." It was a classic moment that 26.65 million viewers tuned in to watch, making it one of the most beloved soap exits of all time. Hilda is still missed to this day, and her departure remains one of the most memorable in soap history.
Hollyoaks' Hannah Ashworth also had a poignant exit in 2010. After suffering a relapse with her eating disorders, she was admitted into a clinic but eventually got back on the road to recovery. However, she decided to move away from her protective family and left her husband Darren Osborne £5,000 before setting off for a new life. It was a powerful and empowering goodbye, especially after such an important and emotional storyline.
In 2022, EastEnders bid farewell to Tiffany and Keegan Butcher-Baker as they departed together. After a one-night stand left their marriage in tatters, Keegan's spiral intensified when he learned the truth behind his sister Chantelle's death. He was questioned by Jack Branning for arson, but Tiffany returned from Germany to give him an alibi, even though it was fake. The couple realized that Tiffany's brother Liam had sabotaged their previous attempt to reconcile, and they decided to leave Walford behind. As they drove off to the tune of Julia's Theme, it was one of the most heartwarming goodbyes in recent years.
In Emmerdale, Diane Sugden's exit in 2021 was a triumphant one. Before leaving for Portugal, she made a deal with Kim Tate to keep her grandson Thomas, who was Gabby Thomas's baby, nearby. In exchange, Diane asked for a 20% share of Kim's assets to go to Gabby. Tough nut Kim agreed, and even paid for a fancy cab to take Diane to the airport. Emotional goodbyes were shared all around as Diane left her home of 22 years, promising to cause chaos abroad. It was a fitting end to her iconic run on the show.
Coronation Street's Jack Duckworth's exit in 2010 was a poignant one. After the locals threw him a birthday party, Jack quietly passed away at home in his armchair. As the song "Softly As I Leave You" played in the background, he was joined in the afterlife by his beloved wife Vera, with actress Liz Dawn reprising her role after her death in 2008. It was a beautiful and touching moment, as Jack was finally reunited with the love of his life. Although his passing was heartbreaking for his son figure Tyrone, viewers knew that Jack was happy and at peace.
Last but not least, we have the feisty and groundbreaking Courtney Campbell from Hollyoaks, who left the show in 2021. She was thrilled to land a deputy headteacher position in Scotland, but her loved ones were desperate to stop her from leaving. However, they eventually realized their mistake, and Courtney left with her daughter Iona. Before she left, she promised Sid Sumner and Grace Black that she would be there for them if they ever needed her. And true to her word, when Grace was imprisoned, Courtney took over the care of her son Curtis until Grace's recent release. It was a heartwarming goodbye for a fierce and beloved character.
And there you have it, some of the most memorable and delightful soap exits throughout the years. It's always tough to say goodbye to our favorite characters, but these endings will forever hold a special place in our hearts. Do you have a favorite goodbye moment from a soap? Let us know in the comments below. And for all the latest soap spoilers, gossip, and behind-the-scenes content, make sure to join Metro's WhatsApp Soaps community by clicking on the link and selecting "Join Chat." Stay updated and never miss a moment! Thank you for reading, and we'd love to hear from you.
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