Diane Butcher

Diane Butcher
EastEnders character
Portrayed by	Sophie Lawrence
Duration	1988–1991, 1993–1994, 1997, 2008, 2012
First appearance	Episode 341 12 May 1988 (1988-05-12)
Last appearance	Episode 4452 29 June 2012 (2012-06-29)
Classification	Former; regular
Introduced by	Julia Smith (1988) Leonard Lewis (1993) Barbara Emile (1994) Jane Harris (1997) Diederick Santer (2008) Bryan Kirkwood (2012)
In-universe information Occupation Nurse Father Frank Butcher Mother June Butcher Stepmother Pat Butcher Peggy Mitchell Brothers Ricky Butcher Sisters Clare Butcher Janine Butcher Half-brothers Danny Sons Jacques Butcher Grandmothers Mo Butcher Nephews Liam Butcher Nieces Tiffany Butcher Scarlett Butcher

Diane Butcher is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Sophie Lawrence. Diane appeared as a regular character between 1988 and 1991, when Lawrence decided to leave. The character made several brief returns in 1993, 1994, and 1997. In 2008, she returned for her father Frank Butcher's (Mike Reid) funeral, and on 20 June 2012 she returned for her sister Janine Butcher's (Charlie Brooks) wedding, departing on 29 June 2012.

Over the years, Diane develops from a rebellious teenager who runs away from home, to a free-spirited single mother having difficulty looking after her young son. More recently, a more-mature Diane settled in France and, in a departure from a character previously depicted as heterosexual, she is stated to be in a long-term relationship with another woman.