Hollyoaks confirm a dramatic exit for Lily McQueen

Today Channel 4 have announced that the popular character played by Lauren McQueen will pass away after contracting sepsis as a consequence of self-harming.

Hollyoaks will air a dramatic week focusing on Lily’s battle with self-harming from Monday 8th April with Lily at the beginning of the week, admitting herself in to a mental health facility. However, she'll run away with her boyfriend Romeo Quinn, without telling her auntie, and guardian, Diane.

After running tests, the hospital discovers that Lily has sepsis, which is spreading to her internal organs, but Lily has left before they can tell her.

In Wednesday's dramatic episode (10th April at 7pm on E4, Channel 4 on Thursday 11th April at 6:30pm), scenes flash to and from memories with Lily’s mum and real time, with Romeo and Lily waiting for the train, and Diane, Tony and Prince desperately trying to find her.

Lily’s health starts to deteriorate drastically, and although her family rush to her aid, they are unable to make it in time and she dies.

Speaking about her exit, Lauren McQueen said "I was honoured to be given such a huge story that carried a lot of responsibility. Even though it was challenging and emotional I really hope I did it justice and hope it raises a lot of awareness to the audience.”

“I hope the storyline makes the audience aware of how serious self-harm is, and that the consequences can be life threatening. Sepsis is actually very common, which many people may not know what the symptoms are, and it’s something that needs to be treated very quickly. I hope it opens up a lot of conversations and encourages people to talk and get help if they relate to Lily”

Alex Fletcher, who plays Diane Hutchinson (Lily’s on screen Auntie) has said “I am hoping that viewers will see that the seriousness of contracting sepsis through self-harm can have catastrophic consequences. I have felt affected by this storyline as we’ve all given it 100%. It’s carried so much responsibility to get it right with the support of all the charities involved”.

Researchers worked with the charity UK Sepsis Trust. Dr Ron Daniels, CEO of the UK Sepsis Trust said “It’s been fantastic working with the Hollyoaks team on this storyline that highlights how potentially devastating sepsis can be. Although cases like Lily’s only represent around 10% of incidences of sepsis, the ‘killer condition’ can arise from any infection and strikes indiscriminately, affecting the previously fit and healthy.”

“The key to ending preventable deaths from sepsis is awareness, and we’re so grateful to Hollyoaks for helping to raise the profile of a condition that affects so many and yet is still so poorly recognised. Together we want to encourage everyone, not just professionals to ‘Just ask: could it be sepsis?’ and to change the way sepsis is handled in the UK.”

These scenes will air during Hollyoaks from Monday 8th April to Thursday 11th April at 6:30pm on Channel 4 and 7pm on E4