A HOLLYOAKS fan-favourite has sparked fears they’ve quit the show just months into their role.
Eagle-eyed fans of the hit Channel 4 soap have taken to social media concerned for Iz Hesketh’s future.
The actor, 26, first made her debut earlier this year as Kitty Draper during Hollyoaks’ stunt week.
In recent times viewers have watched as the character was forced to cover up the death of her villainous father Declan Hawthorne.
Kitty and on-off boyfriend Beau accidentally killed him following a hostage situation in which evil Declan had kidnapped her due to his disapproval of her transitioning.
But now fans are fearing Iz has become the latest casualty of the major cast-cull.
The star recently updated her official Instagram account with new actor headshots, dropping a huge hint she’s departed Hollyoaks.
Posting on social media, one fan said: “Noooo, iz just put new headshots on her ig, does that mean kitty’s leaving aswell?”
A second wrote: “I think so because Kitty does have to go to prison for what she did. It is a shame and seeing Beau tonight made me feel sad.”
“I hope not. I love her as Kitty. She is amazing,” said a third.
When contacted, a spokesperson for Hollyoaks said they do not comment on cast contracts.
The Sun previously revealed how bosses will axe 20 characters from Chester village as its episodes are slashed to just three a week.
One star dropped is long-serving star Stephanie Waring who plays Cindy Cunningham, with the actress recently confirming she’s filmed her final scenes.
Stephanie previously told us how she ‘broke down in tears’ when she was sacked.
James Corden played a caretaker in the early days of the soap.
The former American TV host doesn’t have much positive to say about his time on the soap, claiming it was “hell on earth.”
Since his short-lived time on the show he has gone on to bigger things including smash hit comedy Gavin and Stacey.
Rachel Shenton joined the soap as aspiring glamour model Mitzeee Minniver in 2010.
Over two years her character was sent to prison, got pregnant and had a number of romantic affairs.
Since leaving Hollyoaks she has won an Oscar for best live action short film, The Silent Child.
Rachel has also starred in White Gold and All Creatures Great and Small
Emmett J. Scanlan played gangster turned anti-hero Brendan Brady.
Emmett played the love interest of Steve Hayes, with their romance delighting fans until it turned violent.
Since his departure Emmett has appeared in Peaky Blinders, The Fall, Gangs of London and even appeared in Guardians of the Galaxy
Emma Rigby joined Hollyoaks when she was 15 as Hannah Ahsworth.
Hannah’s eating disorder storyline was the first of it’s kind on TV while other plots included being caught in a fire, gangland drug dealing and running away.
Since leaving the soap in 2010 Emma has gone on to star in ABCs Once Upon a Time in Wonderland as the Red Queen. Other roles include guest appearances in Death In Paradise, Ripper Street and Fresh Meat
Nico Mirallegro got his big break with Hollyoaks starring as emo Barry ‘Newt’ Newton.
Nico’s main storyline in the soap was developing schizophrenia which culminated in a suicide pact.
He left the soap in 2010 and went on to star in My Mad Fat Diary, Our Girl, Rillington Place, The Ark and Common, Penance, as well as the Mike Leigh movie Peterloo and was nominated for a Bafta for his role in period drama The Village.
Ricky Whittle used Hollyoaks as a stepping stone to break America.
He played one of the soap’s resident hunks, Calvin Valentine, from 2006 to 2011 – when he was killed off at his wedding.
After leaving the soap Ricky cracked America starring in teen drama The 100 and America Gods.
He also appeared in Strictly Come Dancing in 2009.
Warren Brown joined Hollyoaks in 2005 for a year as evil Andy Holt.
His stint on the show consisted of date rape storylines and a crime spree, before eventually being killed off.
After leaving Hollyoaks, Warren became a big hitter in TV playing DS Justin Ripley in Luther, as well as major roles in a number of dramas including Liar, The Responder, Homefront and Good Cop.
Wallis Day played Holly Cunningham in the soap for years before leaving.
In 2021 Wallis won the role of Batwoman in DC’s series, taking over from Ruby Rose.
