Hollyoaks aired its most shocking storyline twist of the year so far tonight (June 28) as Lynsey Nolan was found dead in E4's first look episode.
Fan favourite Brendan Brady (Emmett Scanlan) made the heartbreaking discovery in a dramatic cliffhanger for the soap, shortly after his war with enemy Sampson had begun to hot up.
Karen Hassan, who played Lynsey, filmed her Hollyoaks exit scenes a few weeks ago, but show bosses kept her departure under wraps so fans would be surprised by the storyline twist.
Lynsey's death will now spark a huge whodunit storyline as a number of suspects had a motive for wanting to get rid of her.
The Irish nurse was always the biggest enemy of serial killer Silas Blissett (Jeff Rawle), and with the cunning villain returning to screens in upcoming episodes, fans may wonder whether he had something to do with her passing.
Mercedes McQueen (Jennifer Metcalfe) has also become increasingly deranged in recent weeks and wanted to keep Lynsey quiet after she discovered the truth about her stalking of Mitzeee Minniver.
Additionally, Ally Gorman (Dan O'Connor) and bad boy Walker (Neil Newbon) had both found themselves struggling to keep their secrets from an inquisitive Lynsey in recent episodes - providing them with a reason to target her.
Brendan's enemy Sampson is also in the frame as he has been trying to settle a score with the club owner.
Hassan's first Hollyoaks appearance came in 2008 as she starred in the first series of Hollyoaks Later. She then joined the main show as a regular cast member in 2010
Lynsey will be best remembered for her dangerous cat and mouse game with evil Silas, which was the show's biggest storyline last year.
Hollyoaks viewers watching at Channel 4 pace will see Lynsey's final episode tomorrow (June 29) at 6.30pm. Next week's episodes, meanwhile, will see Silas's return scenes.
