Diane Hutchinson
Hollyoaks character
Portrayed by	Alex Fletcher
Duration	2010–2026
First appearance	1 September 2010 (2010-09-01)
Introduced by	Paul Marquess
Spin-off appearances	Hollyoaks Later (2013, 2020)
Crossover appearances	Brookside (2025)
In-universe information Other names Diane O'Connor Diane Drinkwell Occupation Marketer School counsellor Waitress Restaurant owner Pub landlady Sisters Lynette Drinkwell Babs Drinkwell Husband Rob O'Connor (until 2011) Tony Hutchinson (2014–2025, 2026–) Sons Anthony Hutchinson Ro Hutchinson Daughters Eva Hutchinson Adoptive daughters Dee Dee Hutchinson Stepsons Finn O'Connor Harry Thompson Beau Ramsey Stepdaughters Sinead O'Connor Morgan Osborne Aunts Wendy Nephews Scott Drinkwell (adoptive) Nieces Lily Drinkwell

Diane Hutchinson (also O'Connor) is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Alex Fletcher. The character made her first appearance on 1 September 2010. Diane was introduced into the series by Hollyoaks' executive producer Paul Marquess, during his rejuvenation of the show. Marquess axed numerous characters and replaced them with new families. Fletcher began filming in June 2010, the same month her casting was publicised. Diane was introduced with her husband, Rob (Gary Cargill) and stepchildren, Sinead (Stephanie Davis) and Finn O'Connor (Connor Wilkinson). The O'Connors are one of three families that were introduced 2010. Diane is characterised as a "loving wife" and a "devoted stepmum". Fletcher initially hoped that Diane would be likeable, despite her over the top demeanour. Fletcher believed Diane has a good relationship with her step-children and was loath to portray her as "the wicked stepmother".

Diane's storylines originally focused on her fertility issues and subsequent In vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment. Fletcher wanted to portray the storyline accurately because many women are affected by the issue. Diane's IVF treatment fails and she subsequently steals a baby from a hospital. Additional storylines include her divorce from Rob, dealing with Sinead and Finn's erratic behaviour, marrying Tony Hutchinson (Nick Pickard), giving birth to twins and the discovery that her and Tegan Lomax's (Jessica Ellis) babies were swapped at birth. Diane later develops obsessive–compulsive disorder. Diane made temporary departures in 2015 and 2016. In 2018, Fletcher and Pickard were nominated for "Best Partnership" at the Inside Soap Awards.