Diane Butcher

Name: Diane Butcher
First Appeared: 12th May 1988
Last Appeared: 29th June 2012
Played by: Sophie Lawrence

Diane Butcher, born to Frank and June Butcher, had quite the eventful life in Albert Square. With two older siblings, Clare and Ricky, and a younger sister, Janine, Diane’s family dynamics were anything but dull. After June’s death in 1987, Diane, Ricky, and Frank moved to Albert Square, taking over The Queen Victoria pub. This marked the beginning of Diane’s rollercoaster journey in Walford.

Diane’s arrival in 1988 was anything but smooth. Moving into the flat above the Queen Vic with Frank and Ricky, she quickly found herself at odds with her new stepmother, Pat Wicks. Diane’s rebellious streak shone through when she fell for lodger Paul Priestly, much to Frank’s dismay. Their tumultuous relationship, filled with vengeful tricks and dramatic showdowns, ended with Paul leaving for Leeds, breaking Diane’s heart. Feeling unloved, Diane ran away in 1990, joining the down-and-outs in London. Her adventures included posing nude for a sculptor and befriending street-wise Disa O’Brien, who introduced her to the harsh realities of street life.

Returning to Walford in 1990, Diane struggled to adjust. Her friendship with Mark Fowler blossomed as they helped Disa, who had abandoned her baby on Diane’s doorstep. Diane’s relationship with Mark deepened, but his HIV-positive status and rekindled feelings for his ex, Gill Fowler, complicated things. When Mark proposed in 1991, Diane gently declined and left for a fruit-picking holiday in France, eventually deciding not to return to Walford.

In 1993, Frank discovered Diane was pregnant during a visit to France. Their heated argument ended with a tearful farewell, but they made peace before Frank left. Diane’s brief return in 1994 revealed Frank’s whereabouts after his mental breakdown. By 1997, Diane was in a rocky relationship with a Cameroonian musician, Thomas. After their split, Diane left for Africa, leaving her son Jacques with Ricky and Bianca. This decision caused turmoil, but Diane eventually reunited with Jacques in Paris.

Diane’s return in 2008 for Frank’s funeral brought more revelations. She had been in a relationship with a woman named Suzanne for three years. Diane’s presence provided comfort to her family, especially during Janine’s wedding in 2012. She supported Janine through Michael Moon’s fraud allegations and premature labour, even helping with baby Scarlett. Diane’s nurturing side shone as she became Scarlett’s guardian after Michael’s murder and Janine’s arrest in 2013.