INTERVIEW RITA SIMONS AND GEMMA BISSIX AS THEY BOTH LEAVE THE HOLLYOAKS VILLAGE

During tonight's visit to Hollyoaks (Wednesday 29th October), viewers saw Rita Simons last scenes air on E4 as Marie moves to Brookside Close following the tease in last Wednesday's anniversary episode (22nd October).

During Hollyoaks 30th birthday episodes in the midst of destruction, Tony Hutchinson discovered that Marie had been faking her pregnancy, and this week she was forced to come clean to her friend, Diane Hutchinson.

In tonight's episode, Marie came clean to son Arlo about faking her pregnancy, but in distressing turn of events lies to her son that Cleo McQueen agreed to give them her newborn baby.

Outside of the hospital, believing it's all above board, Arlo tells Diane that they're here to pick up Cleo's baby. Meanwhile, sneaking in under the fake name of Sienna Blake, Marie finds herself in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. On-the-run, Clare Devine catches Marie holding the newborn and advises her to take what is hers and don't look back.

Photo Credit: Lime Pictures/ Hollyoaks 

Meanwhile, after a difficult birth and complications after, Cleo is recovering with Sienna by her side, but it's panic stations as the pair are told that somebody has snuck into the NICU using Sienna's name.

Diane is shocked to find Marie holding the newborn baby, but a broken Marie is full of apologies as she returns the baby to the incubator. Diane supports her and leads Marie and Arlo outside where new neighbour, Brookside resident Billy Corkhill played by John McArdle is waiting to give them lift to their new home.

Marie admits to Billy that she's not pregnant, and her name is not Pauline as she and Arlo embark on their new life with a clean slate. New neighbour Billy reassures her that they'll fit right in on the Close, promising them both a bowl of Sheila's scouse for when they arrive.

Speaking of her Hollyoaks exit, Rita said “I’ve loved every second of playing Marie…From her questionable parenting choices to her excessive partying. Spending these last 2 years in Liverpool with the wonderful cast and crew of Hollyoaks has been full of love and support but sadly it’s time to move on… I will miss everyone in the village, especially my boys, Rory Douglas Speed, Tyler Conti and Dan Hough. Also, I want to thank Hannah Cheers for giving me the most iconic exit …Brookside Close better watch out. You never know in the world of soap…”

Photo Credit: Lime Pictures/ Hollyoaks

Also escaping the village was Clare Devine who stole her sister, Grace Black's passport as she prepares to disappear for good, but Grandad Froggy played by John Middleton who is best known for playing Emmerdale's Ashley Thomas is one step ahead of her and stops her in her tracks.

As the police cars swarm Clare, she issues a warning to her Grandad... I'll definitely miss Gemma Bissix as Clare as she definitely is one of those characters you love to hate.

Talking about Clare Devine’s recent stint for Hollyoaks 30th anniversary, Gemma Bissix said “Clare couldn’t stay in the village after killing her own sister... never thought her Grandad would be the one to shop her though! This last 6 months working alongside my best friend Tamara Wall has been the best of my life so far. Clare will always find a way to wiggle out of it she always does (even death) but for now I will be leaving her red stiletto firmly in the Hollyoaks sign!! See you soon… Froggy will need putting straight eventually…”

Rita Simons final scenes as Marie Fielding and Gemma Bissix as Clare Devine-Banks aired tonight (Wednesday 29th October).