The Originals Kills Off Major Character In Latest Shocking Episode

Warning: this article contains spoilers for the latest episode of The Originals.

The Originals has said goodbye to one of its biggest characters, which looks set to have major implications for the show going forward.

In last night's (May 30) episode, Hayley (Phoebe Tonkin) sacrifices herself in order to save Hope (Danielle Rose Russell) – and in case there was any doubt, in the final shot we see her body burning to ashes. Sob.

One person in particular that the loss will have a major effect on is Klaus, with actor Joseph Morgan telling TV Guide: "He really feels the weight and responsibility of being the only parent. That's tremendously difficult for him to deal with.

"I feel like Hayley's always been a much better parent than him, and she spent the time – she's spent the last seven years, while he's been away, with Hope, and so for him to come back after such a long absence and then to be thrown into this situation where, 'Hey it's just you now with your daughter,' it's a very steep learning curve for him. So that's tremendously upsetting."

Daughter Hope will also be affected immensely by Hayley's death, as Russell added: "It's going to disrupt Hope's kind of self-journey of figuring out who she is, and so she goes through a really drastic change midway through the season. I think that death really does have a big impact on her."

However, despite the shock, the cast argued that killing off characters was the right move for the show.

"I don't think I'm ever surprised when I read that someone is going to die on the show," Rebekah actress Claire Holt said. "Of course, it was shocking, but I think it really ties up the story in a way that fans will relate to or understand."

Yet fans were not entirely happy with one of their faves being axed (strong language ahead):

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The Originals airs on The CW.

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Sam Warner

Sam is a freelance reporter and sub-editor who has a particular interest in movies, TV and music. After completing a journalism Masters at City University, London, Sam joined Digital Spy as a reporter, and has also freelanced for publications such as NME and Screen International. Sam, who also has a degree in Film, can wax lyrical about everything from Lord of the Rings to Love Is Blind, and is equally in his element crossing every 't' and dotting every 'i' as a sub-editor.