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Rachel Adedeji thanks Hollyoaks fans for support as Lisa departs

Rachel Adedeji has thanked ‘Hollyoaks’ fans for supporting her during her time on the show.

The former ‘X Factor’ star portrayed Lisa Loveday for four years on the Channel 4 soap, but sadly her character met her maker this week when she was killed by her own cousin Toby Faroe (Bobby Gordon), but Rachel is "so grateful" for her time on the programme.

In a video posted on her Instagram account, Rachel said: "It’s actually really, really sad.

"I love Lisa so much. It’s been such a joy to play such an amazing character.

"She’s so fun, she’s so sassy.

"Thank you so much for supporting my character and supporting me. Because these past few years have been incredible.

"What a journey. I’ve met some amazing people along the way.

"Where I work, I’m so grateful. Not only the cast, but the crew."

She also added the caption: "RIP Lisa Loveday

"What a woman! It’s been amazing playing such a fun character. Thank you all for your love and support over the last 4 years, and for your kind words! Excited for what’s next. (sic)"

Toby mistook Lisa for his brother Mitchell Deveraux (Imran Adams) by mixing up hotel rooms at Mitchell’s wedding to Scott Drinkwell (Ross Adams).

She was under the covers waiting for a bit of fun with her lover Felix Westwood (Richard Blackwood), but he was preoccupied with Grace Black (Tamara Wall).

It comes after the 29-year-old actress claimed earlier this summer that she had experienced racism on the programme, while hitting out at the soap for its response to the Black Lives Matter movement.

She wrote: "I am disappointed with Hollyoaks’ approach with showing solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement yesterday. Did black lives matter when I was told ‘you’re all the same’ via a make up artist you employed and remains in employment to this day? Did Black Lives Matter when a number of female black actors were forced to drastically change their hair, because if not, the viewers ‘would not be able to tell them apart’? Do Black Lives Matter when my fellow black castmates are deemed ‘angry, aggressive and too vocal?’ Did Black Lives Matter when referred to as ‘b*******’ by a senior member of the production team? Do Black Lives really matter to you if over the last four years at ‘Hollyoaks’, I have only worked with one black director? (sic)"

Following Rachel’s claims, ‘Hollyoaks’ announced they are "investigating", and insisted they have "zero tolerance on racism".