EMMERDALE fans have been left devastated after Holly Barton was found dead in her bed from a supposed heroin overdose.

The troubled character, played by Sophie Powles, returned to the soap in March after a four year break. Viewers were left bereft last night after Holly was found dead in bed - weeks after getting clean.

Although the assumption is that Holly's death was caused by an overdose, with a piece of foil found next to her bed, speculation is mounting about other possible causes. Her bedroom window was open when Holly was found, sparking suggestions someone may have broken into her room and given her a lethal overdose.

Sophie filmed the storyline last month and has now left the soap for good. Many viewers have been commenting on Facebook and Twitter about the shock storyline.

Sophie explained: “I always knew I was only coming back for a six month storyline and I knew it was going to be drug related and heart breaking.

"I was prepared for this and I knew what I was signing up for when I spoke to the producer about returning.

“The Emmerdale script and story team team had already planned Holly’s return and what would happen to her and they really wanted me on board to help tell this story.

"I’ve had the best six months and I couldn’t ask for a nicer bunch of people to work with. I’ve been so supported. I was fine until the last day and then suddenly it all felt so real.

"I managed to keep it together ‘til the very last scene and then suddenly I was an emotional wreck.”

Bosses did not promote the storyline so it came as a huge shock to soap fans, who knew actress Sophie was leaving but did not know when or how.

In dramatic scenes Holly’s shocked mum Moira found her lifeless in bed and noticed foil next to her.

She realised she’s taken an overdose and was devastated as she had appeared to be healthy and happy and getting on with life.