Iz Hesketh penned an emotional goodbye following her Hollyoaks exit.
The much-loved favourite, who plays Kitty Draper on the soap, made her debut in January of this year when she stole the identity of a friend who died in the crash at Dee Valley Bypass.
In her latest Instagram post, the actress posted a string of pictures celebrating her stint on Hollyoaks.
‘Kitty has left the village,’ she penned.
‘Thank you @hollyoaksofficial for the best 8 months. Thank you to everyone working on the show for welcoming me with open arms, I’ve had the most incredible time becoming part of the family.
‘I really tried to create a character who is flawed, lovable, real and unapologetically trans. I can only hope that certain people have seen glimpses of their lived experience reflected in everything I worked so hard on.’
She continued: ‘Thank you to all the fans of the show who’ve supported Kitty’s story. It’s a privilege to have been part of the stories I have told and it isn’t taken for granted for one second.
‘Earlier this year I made the decision not to stay on at Hollyoaks. I need to spend the next year getting surgery, heeling and focusing on the future and sadly that has meant leaving the show and moving on.’
‘She did only get in a taxi though so who knows if she’s really gone for good…
But for now at least, Goodbye. All my love Iz 🤍
‘(Also kind of camp to win best newcomer then leave a month after. VERY me.)’
Iz’s post was met with tons of love from her co-stars, including actor Ross Adams who commented: ‘One of the most memorable LGBTQ+ characters ever. And in terms of representation – so needed and important too. You were a JOY to work with and I can’t wait to watch you fly high. Sending big love.’
Actress Nikki Sanderson added: ‘Sending so much love to you ♥️♥️♥️ fly high beautiful xx.’
With Hollyoaks set to undergo a reduction in episodes next month, a number of cast members are exiting to facilitate the change.
More devastating goodbyes are still to come, with fan-favourite star Matthew James Bailey, who plays Ethan Williams, and legendary Cindy Cunningham star Stephanie Waring both confirmed to be leaving. Steph revealed that her character was one axed by bosses.
