Emmerdale fans were left heartbroken on Friday as they said goodbye to long-running character Ashley Thomas.
Ashley, played by actor John Middleton, has been at the centre of a storyline about vascular dementia for the past two years. In his final scenes on the soap viewers saw him pass away peacefully surrounded by his family and friends.
In a beautiful moment, Ashley was able to remember his wife Laurel for the first time in months as they said their goodbyes for the last time.
He took off his oxygen mask in a moment of lucidity, took his wife's hand and said his final word: "Laurel."
Do not be sad that it's the end, rejoice that it beautifully existed. #ByeAshley #Emmerdale pic.twitter.com/NnRynOWwfl
— Emmerdale (@emmerdale) April 7, 2017
The heart-rending scene resonated with viewers, with many taking to Twitter to commend the show on the emotional storyline and how well it was handled.
#Emmerdale cast and crew have been phenomenal during Ashley's dementia storyline! A beautiful ending to a heartbreaking story #byeashley 👏
— Sophie Burton (@burtonsophie2) April 7, 2017
That was stunning @emmerdale 💔 I'm in bits @john_Middleton_ and @MissCBellamy and all the rest. Superb 💜#goodbyeashley
— Laura Norton (@lawrencenotrin) April 7, 2017
What an amazing heartbreaking episode.. well done John and @MissCBellamy just brilliant @emmerdale 💔
— Sheree Murphy (@shereemurphy) April 7, 2017
Crying at tonight's ep of @emmerdale. Bravo to all the cast and crew especially @MissCBellamy and @john_Middleton_. #ByeAshley 😭
— Karen Pond (@kazzapond) April 7, 2017
Heartbreaking scenes in tonight's #Emmerdale but incredible Acting from Everyone Involved 💔😭@emmerdale
— Jean Kelly (@xxjeankellyxx) April 7, 2017
omg I'm heartbroken😭💔 #byeashley@emmerdale
— Holly | L+T♡ (@vougelucytina) April 7, 2017
Goodbye Ashley, Goodbye John. We miss you already💔 @emmerdale
— Charley Webb (@MissCharleyWebb) April 7, 2017
One of the most important stories of the past few years on British television, told note-perfectly by @emmerdale. A public service, truly. https://t.co/LUyAIZ3Sxh
— Jack Murley (@jack_murley) April 7, 2017
Broke my heart watching @emmerdale tonight. Amazing acting and super emotional ❤️ #ByeAshley
— Leanne Jones (@leannejones0403) April 7, 2017
Middleton previously described the dementia plot as "the best story anyone had pitched to me".
"I love you, Daddy." #ByeAshley #Emmerdale pic.twitter.com/pMflGQrcIj
— Emmerdale (@emmerdale) April 6, 2017
"It became totally absorbing and you find yourself propelling towards the end of it," he told the Press Association.
"What was touching was the sensitivity on the set, people really wanted to get this right. There were a lot of tears shed and it was a very special day."
"You said a lot of wise things to me after she died. Sort of things that stay with you. Always will, Ashley." #ByeAshley #Emmerdale pic.twitter.com/Ao4RmScJ9p
— Emmerdale (@emmerdale) April 6, 2017
After 20 years playing Ashley, Middleton said it was "utterly bizarre" to be leaving the show.
"In many ways, after 20 years you become institutionalised, so I will miss this place in ways I don't yet properly understand," he admitted.
"Twenty years is half of my career. It's one of the most significant things that has ever happened to me; it's up there with getting married and having children."
Middleton added that the soap had completely changed his life "for the better".
"There was not a second I haven't thoroughly enjoyed," he said.
Emmerdale, ITV and TV3, 7pm
