"Bosses at "EastEnders" had reportedly been keen for Lawrence to remain on the cast, as they were hoping for an on-screen reunion of the Butcher family; Mike Reid had agreed to reprise his role as Frank, though Diane departed before his reintroduction.Lawrence agreed to reprise the role of Diane once again in 2008 to film the screen funeral of Diane's father Frank, following the off-screen death of Mike Reid.