Emmerdale will air a moving moment in Ashley Thomas's final episode as he lucidly remembers his wife Laurel before he dies.
Ashley's long-running dementia storyline will reach a heartbreaking conclusion in this Friday's episode as he passes away, having recently been diagnosed with incurable pneumonia.
Ashley's exit scenes will see his friends and family say a final goodbye to him at home, but the most precious moment of all comes when he remembers Laurel for the first time in months during their tender farewell.
Speaking to Digital Spy and other journalists at an Emmerdale press event today (April 4), Charlotte Bellamy – who plays Laurel – said: "We wanted to pitch it right and make it as real as possible. It's a beautiful moment.
"He hasn't recognised Laurel since about November. It's beautifully written and it felt like the perfect ending."
John Middleton – who plays Ashley – also insisted that his character's lucid memory in the moments before his death is not an uncommon occurrence.
What to Read Next
"It should also be said that we weren't stretching the bounds of reality," he said. "The nurse on set – who is used to dealing with end of life – said it's very common. She says she sees it a lot."
Speaking about watching his final Emmerdale episodes, John said: "It's harrowing and you can't get away from that. But at the same time, it's about the great tragedies, the great joys, and the great dramas of life. There are none greater.
"It's nothing unusual, but it signals the end of 20 years of our life. It's a beautiful episode."
Discussing what's ahead for Laurel in the aftermath of Ashley's death, Charlotte added: "It's the end of a very long road for both of us.
"It's not easy viewing. But Laurel has family to look after and she has prepared herself. The pressure is on for her, but the children will be her focus, and Sandy as well. "
Emmerdale will air Ashley's final episode on Friday, April 7 at 7pm on ITV.
Read more news, spoilers and gossip on our Emmerdale homepage
Want up-to-the-minute soaps news, spoilers and gossip on your social feeds? Just hit 'Like' on our Digital Spy Soaps Facebook page and 'Follow' on our @soapscoop Twitter account.
Digital Spy Soap Scoop video – hit play below for all the latest Emmerdale spoilers, as Ross blackmails Robert and Ashley's funeral day arrives.
