Diane Sugden (also Blackstock) is a fictional character from the British soap opera Emmerdale, played by Elizabeth Estensen.

Since her first appearance in 1999, she has been involved in several high-profile storylines, including her marriage to Jack Sugden (Clive Hornby) and his subsequent death, a battle with colon cancer, the revelation that her ex-husband Rodney Blackstock (Patrick Mower) fathered her sister Val Lambert's (Charlie Hardwick) son, being held hostage in a siege at the Woolpack, sleeping with Val's husband Eric Pollard (Chris Chittell), being involved in a helicopter crash which kills Val, being stabbed by Chas Dingle (Lucy Pargeter), and a feud with Chrissie White (Louise Marwood).

In September 2021, it was announced that Estensen had made the decision to take a break from acting and her initial final appearance as Diane aired on 29 October 2021.

However, the following year, Estensen returned to the role of Diane for a guest stint from 12 to 20 October 2022 to celebrate Emmerdale's 50th anniversary.

However, Diane cares deeply for her daughter, and is a key source of support when Bernice's engagement to Gavin Ferris (Robert Beck) collapses.

After failed relationships with builder Jerry "Mack" MacKinley (Rob Dixon) and Alan Turner (Richard Thorp), Diane and Jack reunite and started considering life together.

She becomes a victim of the Kings River Showhome explosion, but makes a full recovery (albeit with a "Live for the Moment" outlook on life).

However they grew closer following Andy's conviction for manslaughter and whilst Jack was in Spain, Diane received a text mentioning patching things up on his return.

Val, after receiving an offer for the pub from Maisie Wylde (Alice Coulthard), tries to convince Diane she is too depressed to stay on as owner and should sell up.

On her return she discovers Daz has left, and Andy has given custody of his daughter Sarah to Debbie Dingle (Charley Webb) and is on the verge of a breakdown.

Their relationship gets off to a good start, and Charlie whisks Diane away on romantic holidays, and away to France, even taking Victoria along so she can brush up on her French.

However, their happiness comes to a halt as Charlie reveals to Diane he was suffering from an inoperable brain tumour, meaning he will die and does not have long left.

In October 2013, Diane, along with many other villagers including Bernice and Nicola, is held hostage in The Woolpack by Cameron, who has escaped from prison.

In August 2015, Diane is furious when she hears that Val is planning to fake her own death to escape a prison sentence, and refuses to talk to her.

In an attempt to make the pair reconcile, Eric, Rodney and Doug lock Val and Diane in a hall of mirrors so that they have no choice but talk to one another.

However, after arguing continually, they are spooked when they lose light in the hall of mirrors, after a helicopter crash caused by Chrissie White (Louise Marwood).

Soon after, an explosion rips through the village as a result of the helicopter crash, reaching the hall of mirrors and trapping Val and Diane.

One night when Diane returns from a meal with her family, she accidentally knocks over a glass, which causes Chas to think that Emma has broken in.

Chas grabs a knife and stabs Diane, leaving her bleeding on the floor while she calls Aaron and Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley).

"[2] Diane immediately flirts with Alan Turner (Richard Thorp) and Eric Pollard (Chris Chittell), leading Estensen to point out that "there's no doubt that she likes male company.

[2] Producers established a friendship between Diane and Jack Sugden (Clive Hornby) amidst his marriage breakdown and custody battle.

Estensen told an Inside Soap writer that Diane is attracted to Jack, but he wants to make sure that no one finds out what happened between them.

She also said that she was initially concerned when she learned of the storyline, as she thought that viewers would be put off by people of Jack and Diane's age kissing and having sex.

"[4] She told Andy Baker of Inside Soap that Diane does not fit the stereotype of a farmer's wife, but Jack is "her rock" and is always there for her, unlike her former husband Rodney Blackstock (Patrick Mower).

[4] Shortly before the ceremony, Diane has a talk with her future step-daughter Victoria Sugden (Hannah Midgley) about Paul and her cancer diagnosis, which brings them closer together.

Speaking on her decision to take a break and depart from the role, she commented: "For the past 22 years I have loved playing Diane Sugden.

"[5] However, under a year later, it was announced that Estensen would reprise her role as Diane for a guest stint in October 2022, as part of Emmerdale's 50th anniversary celebrations.