Emmerdale fans left reeling after unexpected shock storyline saw Holly Barton overdose and DIE without warning
Holly relapsed into her heroin use and overdosed - despite seemingly finally finding happiness
EMMERDALE viewers were left stunned on Thursday evening after writers dropped a bombshell - and fan favourite Holly Barton was discovered dead from an overdose.
Holly has been battling a drug addiction for months but seemed to be on the up after starting a relationship in secret with Jai Sharma.
However, the mainly light-hearted episode took a dark turn when Holly collapsed after relapsing into her heroin addiction and never woke up.
The young girl's body was discovered by her mum Moira and brother Adam in heart-wrenching scenes that are now threatening to destroy the family.
Moira just sobbed as she muttered the words "she's gone" to her family.
The only indication was rumours that actress Sophie Powles, who played the ill-fated Holly Barton, was to leave the show - but even then there was no confirmation.
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At the end of August, a source exclusively told The Sun: "[Powles] has already filmed her final scenes which are being kept under wraps.
";Her leaving the show is seen as one of the big story lines of the next few months.
"She’s a popular cast member and will be missed by everyone on set."
Those who were watching the ITV soap were left stunned when the scenes were aired - but were praising the show bosses for keeping the twist under wraps.
Taking to Twitter, one fan wrote: "I can't believe that Holly is dead. I didn't realise she was gonna to die. It's so sad, I liked her. She was a great character."
Another added: "I love when the soaps make an effort to keep storylines secret and really throw in a twist for viewers. *sideeyes Corrie*"
A third added: "That was a heartbreaking episode of Emmerdale. In shock, fighting back tears. Have two daughters so can imagine that pain"
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