Emmerdale's Lisa Dingle to be killed off after 23 years

(Image credit: ITV)

So sad

Emmerdale's Lisa Dingle will be bowing out of the ITV soap after 23 years, it has been revealed.

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Jane Cox, who plays the fan favourite, will be bidding farewell to the Dales after her character is diagnosed with a terminal heart condition.

Following a year-long absence, Lisa returned to TV screens last night for Emmerdale's International Women's Day episode.

In heartbreaking scenes, Charity was seen visiting her aunt in Scotland, where she asked her to prepare her eulogy.

Fans were left devastated by the news that Lisa will pass away, and took to Twitter to vent.

‘I can't believe #LisaDingle is dying!!!! 😭😭😭😭😭😭’ one person tweeted, while another added: ‘Wow. I'm deeply saddened that Lisa Dingle is leaving Emmerdale this year. A role the wonderful Jane Cox has portrayed since 1996.

'This is not just another character leaving, this is a national legend leaving. She's being killed off. I'm genuinely upset, but best of luck to Jane!' they added.

Speaking about her exit, actress Jane said: 'Lisa is so close to my heart as she’s been such a huge part of my life for the past more than 23 years. So I know I will shed more than a few tears when it comes to filming her final scenes.

'But I’m really looking forward to my return to the show to tell this story and to give the character of Lisa a deserving farewell. I will miss her.'

Lisa left Emmerdale last spring after being rushed to hospital after suffering an angina attack.

Up until her break from the show, Jane had the most appearances for a female in the show to date since first stepping into the Dales back in 1996.