Aidan Connor returned to Coronation Street for one final time on Friday as viewers watched a heartbreaking video message recorded before he died.
Shayne Ward's popular character took his own life earlier this year after a secret battle with his mental health.
However, in emotional scenes aired last night, Alya Nazir received a DVD which was filmed before his death while he was recovering in hospital after donating his kidney to half-sister Carla.
In the clip, a teary Aidan reveals the importance of family and how much they meant to him, which makes Alya question her decision to take over the Connor's knicker factory.
And the episode certainly pulled on the nation's heartstrings as fans of the ITV soap flooded to Twitter with messages about the moving moment.
"Seeing Aidan @ shayneTward again was bittersweet. Such an important story to tell but I miss him so much # Corrie", said one.
A second agreed: "Aw, that is a poignant blast from the past. Who misses Aidan? #Corrie".
While a third added: "I miss aidan connor so much #corrie".
After Aidan took his own life in May, 33-year-old Shayne spoke out about the significance of his storyline, and how important it is for a high profile show like Coronation Street to address the issue.
“I am honoured to have been trusted with a storyline like this, it shows the confidence that Kate and the team had in me to be able to play it.”
He continued, “When you get given a storyline like this it is a decision that is not taken lightly, I have played it with as much honesty and truth as I could.
“I am very proud of what I have done in my three years on the show and on this storyline in particular.
“Aidan is an ‘everyman’ figure, he is someone men can identify with, which is important in telling this story.
“We hope that anyone who recognises something of themselves in Aidan, will realise they can, and really should, talk about how they’re feeling.”
If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans on 116123 or 020 7734 2800. You will not be charged for this call.
