EastEnders fans were left reeling after Sharon Watts, portrayed by Letitia Dean, made an unexpected exit from the show.
In recent chapters of the BBC One drama, Sharon has been finding it hard to cope with the loss of Martin Fowler (played by James Bye), who tragically passed away back in February.
The Albert Square stalwart was seen in her last moments grieving over her lifelong friend as his final journey down Bridge Street unfolded, heading for his funeral. Sharon's departure from the bustle of Walford was suddenly revealed during Wednesday's peek into the Square (April 9).
A dishevelled Zack Hudson, acted by James Farrar, relayed to Sharon's sister Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig) and her beau Ross Marshall (Alex Walkinshaw) that Sharon had made an exit from Walford, reports Plymouth Live.
Zack confessed: "Yeah, Sharon's gone", while presenting them a letter. He continued: "She can't handle it, the funeral and everything. She's gone to stay with Jada for a few weeks."
Ross joined in, commenting: "Well, it must be hard, you know, the loss. She's known Martin since he was a baby, right?".
Zack then shared his regret over Martin's market stall being scorched along with tributes but was thankful that Sharon didn’t have to see such a sight.
Social media has been abuzz with EastEnders enthusiasts expressing their anxieties over Sharon's abrupt departure.
One viewer posted on X: "Sharon's gone to stay with Jane? ? #EastEnders."
Another chimed in saying: "Sharon leaving is a bit random, is Letitia Dean ill or something #EastEnders."
One viewer commented on the abrupt departure, saying: "Sharon leaving feels so random. Now is it an actor or character thing #EastEnders."
Another fan questioned, "Sharon gone off now #EastEnders", while someone else remarked on the execution: "Not the smoothest way to explain Sharon being absent. #EastEnders."
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One and iPlayer
English (United States) ·