Sammy Winward bid farewell to Emmerdale last night, as Katie Sugden fell to her death after securing proof of Robert's affair with Aaron.
In the latest edition of our fortnightly soaps column Soap Spy, Ryan Love shares his thoughts on Katie's deadly quest for the truth.
After almost 14 years, it's all over for Katie Sugden.
Last night's Emmerdale drama reached its peak as things came crashing down for the village favourite.
Her determination to bring down her brother-in-law Robert ultimately proved to be her own downfall, as she toppled to her death attempting to protect her evidence of his affair with Aaron.
After over a decade on-screen, wasn't it just a little sad that her death felt like it had a sense of 'finally!' about it?
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Katie has been at the forefront of numerous major storylines since she and Andy first entered each other's lives back in 2001. From Butler's Farm to Home Farm, she has made her mark and become involved with some of the show's biggest characters.
So it's with this rich character history that I wonder how and why Katie Sugden has been handed such a poor exit.
There's a bit of the Tina McIntyre effect here. While not as drawn out - nothing ever will be - Katie was turned into even more of a meddling, annoying busybody than ever before. By the time poor Tina finally departed Coronation Street in a box there were cheers up and down the country. Last night, I was ready to get the bunting out again.
What is the fascination with destroying a character after so many years? A safe way to ensure that viewers don't complain too much about the decision to not just send her off into the sunset, conveniently allowing for a future return?
If the decision is made to kill off a long-standing resident, I'd rather writers had faith in their decision and the viewers to respect the bold move being made.
Katie has been unbearable in her quest to destroy Robert since he returned to the village. Even when she was frustratingly right about him, it all became a bit much. Of course, perhaps no one expected 'Robron' to be as popular (somehow I doubt that!) as they are and that seven million viewers would be eagerly cheering her on... Oh dear.
The whole thing just felt off. Her infatuation was frustrating to watch. She was marrying his brother, again, and embarking on a new life on Wylie's farm. Why would Katie even care what he is doing and not just accept that she had her husband and future to look forward to?! In the end she lost the support of her husband, her friends and apparently, the writers.
Robron are, for now, united in their secret. There is sure to be plenty of drama ahead as they attempt to keep things together, while Robert also keeps his affair quiet from Chrissie. With Katie taken care of, who or what might be the next obstacle to overcome...
I'm a big fan of the affair plot, but Katie has been used as a plot device instead of being given her own fully-fledged exit plot. As a viewer and fan that feels like a poor way to send off both the character and actress Sammy Winward.
Katie did at least pay off her vet's bill before popping her cloggs. Phew.
