Ackley Bridge spoilers: Amy-Leigh Hickman and Poppy Lee Friar discuss shocking character exit

In the closing minutes of the first episode of this third series characters, Nasreen Paracha (Amy-Leigh Hickman) and Missy Booth (Poppy Lee Friar) were hit by a car and as viewers waited and debated for a week who would and wouldn’t survive, we found out tonight.

As the episode opened we learned Nasreen was ok except a couple of broken bones and Missy appeared unharmed except didn’t just have one broken arm but 2, it’s OK her mum offered to wipe her bum.

A tired Missy went to the bed but the realization to viewers all was not well was when her dead Nana (Rita May) appeared to her.

Nasreen made the tragic discovery when she went to see Missy and discovered her lifeless in bed.

Missy is dead! That’s traumatic enough for fans – how was it for you? Was it emotional, filming those scenes?

Amy: It was hard having to film those scenes because Poppy really was leaving the show. It felt a little close to the bone because it really was the end of Missy and Nas! Therefore, there was a lot of truth within what we were producing as we knew how much we really were going to miss each other. Friendship is the most important thing to Nas which Is something I can strongly relate too.

Poppy: Yes it’s very sad and traumatising for the characters as well as fans! It’s always sad saying goodbye to a character you’ve played but they always stay in your heart, so Missy is alive forever within me. I adored playing her. Such a rich character, fun, emotional, witty, sassy, strong, loving and lovable. It was emotional filming the last scenes because you’re leaving behind your onset family that you’ve grown so close to over the years.

Which one made you the most emotional?

Amy: It was for sure the last time you see Missy and Nas together on the skip at the end of episode 2. It was such a beautifully written scene that really resonated with both me and Poppy.

Poppy: The most emotional scene I think for me was the last time Amy and I filmed on the skip (when Missy is in Nas’ imagination). We’d come full circle and it is iconic of their friendship so it has so much meaning. Everything happened up there, laughs, confessions, tears, gossip..!

What has being part of Ackley Bridge meant to you?

Poppy: Ackley Bridge has meant a great deal. I’ve worked with exceptionally lovely, talented people, in beautiful Yorkshire, playing a character that was a joy to perform every day. The show has touched the hearts of audiences and I feel very lucky and proud to have been a part of it.

With Poppy gone, do you feel a greater sense of responsibility as one if the show’s leads?

Amy: I always feel a sense of responsibility as I love and care for the show so much. It has a special place in my heart and always will. I as myself just like Nas, had to find my place without Poppy just like Nas did without Missy. Luckily the entire cast and crew are super close and there is such a family feel within the job. Sunetra and Jo who play Kaneez and Mandy where amazingly helpful throughout the whole process as they are good friends of mine in real life too.

Ackley Bridge continues next Tuesday at 8PM on Channel 4 and catch up on demand at ALL4