Emmerdale fans were devastated this year when it was announced Diane Sugden was bowing out of the show.
The iconic character was played by Elizabeth Estensen, who confirmed in September she was retiring from the long-running soap after 22 years.
Elizabeth's portrayal instantly established Diane as a fan favourite when she joined the cast in 1999 and the character has been at the heart of Emmerdale ever since.
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She was the landlord of the iconic Woolpack pub for 17 years and has been involved in dramatic storylines such as her rollercoaster relationship with conman Charlie - and twice underwent cancer treatment.
Diane's final episode aired on October 29 when she departed the village in a Rolls Royce in search of a new life in Portugal.
Away from the screen, Elizabeth Estensen's life is fortunately a lot less turbulent than the character she became so renowned for playing.
The 72-year-old actress is married to Phillip Allen and has forged an impressive career in British television which extends all the way back to 1974.
Elizabeth's career beginnings are firmly rooted in Merseyside as she joined the Liverpool Everyman acting troupe after graduating from Manchester Polytechnic.
She was performing in Willy Russell's production of John, Paul, George, Ringo.... and Bert when she was spotted by Nerys Hughes who eventually cast her in a breakthrough role in classic sitcom, The Liver Birds.
Elizabeth shot to stardom for her portrayal of Carol Boswell from 1975 - 1979 and hasn't looked back since.
The actress also appeared in another classic Merseyside story as she appeared in the TV adaptation of Our Day Out which follows a school trip from Liverpool to North Wales.
Elizabeth stayed busy once The Liver Birds ended and played parts in a variety of TV shows, including The Bill, T-Bag and Cracker.
Before she arrived on the Yorkshire Dales, she actually played Pam Middleston in fellow ITV soap, Coronation Street, from 1996 - 1998.
She joined Emmerdale the following year for the role she will forever be remembered for.
Elizabeth played Diane Sugden for 2,860 episodes, but not many fans know the iconic blonde hair style she is renowned for is actually a wig.
The actress showed off her natural look during an interview on This Morning in 2016 - and the unrecognisable transformation left viewers stunned.
Although she may now have quit the programme, Elizabeth will always be remembered by fans for her portrayal of Diane and she revealed in her leaving statement how much she will miss the show.
She 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.”
Emmerdale airs weekdays at 7pm on ITV and ITV Hub with an additional episode at 8pm on Thursdays
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