TV legend Sherrie Hewson is set to leave Hollyoaks after one year as Martha Blake.
The actress, known for her roles in Coronation Street and Benidorm, joined the cast of the Channel 4 soap last year as part of a story that expanded the Blake clan.
Martha was introduced as the long-lost grandmother of show titan Sienna Blake (Anna Passey) and she brought with her a plethora of secrets – namely that son Jez was a twin of former villain Patrick.
Patrick star Jeremy Sheffield returned to the serial to portray Jez, who turned out to be every bit as villainous as his twin brother if not more so, with a subsequent twist confirming him to be a serial killer.
Martha, who has dementia, knows all about Jez’s penchant for murder and has covered up for him for decades, making the relationship between the two rather tense.
Jez has thus far claimed the lives of Dilly Harcourt (Emma Johnsey-Smith), Abe Fielding (Tyler Conti) and social worker Ian. It was also confirmed that he was also to blame for the demise of Dennis Savage (Joe Tracini).
Martha, meanwhile, has been a part of a number of stories over the past year and has got to know her extended Blake/Savage clan. Earlier this year, she spiked Sienna – twice – in a bid to keep her and Cleo McQueen (Nadine Mulkerrin) apart.
The matriarch has also seemingly disowned Jez, wanting nothing more to do with his murderous ways and next week will see her confusion get worse.
How exactly she leaves the show remains to be seen but a source told The Sun that there will be ‘lots of twists and turns’ to come.
‘Sherrie’s loved her time at Hollyoaks as Martha but she was only ever going to be in the show for a limited time,’ a source told the publication.
‘Martha’s become an iconic character but the end is nigh for her as the show races towards its 30th anniversary later this year.
‘There are lots of twists and turns to play out over the coming months but it’s definitely going to be an exit to remember.’
Metro has reached out to Hollyoaks for comment.
