Linda Carter became the third EastEnders character to leave in just three days - as the BBC soap aired some sad scenes.
Mick Carter appeared to die on Christmas Day in some dramatic final scenes for Danny Dyer following his exit from the show, as he plunged into the water trying to save his ex-wife Linda and new partner Janine. Whilst the following day, as the truth was revealed about Janine's deception with Linda's car crash, she was arrested by police.
In an emotional scene tonight, Linda prepared to leave Walford as she bid an emotional farewell to Shirley and Sharon.
In tears, Linda was comforted by Sharon as she planned to head away to tell the other members of family what happened to Mick. Sharon sweetly arranged a cab for Linda, but made sure it wasn't anyone local so they didn't quiz her about what happened.
"What do I say, to Lee and the others, what do I tell them?" Linda asked in tears, as Sharon told her it'll become clear when she gets there. Linda vowed to go to some meetings up there as she promised she would be ok.
She also bid a sad farewell to Shirley, who has understandably been left devastated by Mick's death.
As she promised to call Shirley, Linda asked for her to return the favour if there was any news about Mick. "Home? It don't feel like it not now," Linda said through tears as Shirley told her: "This will always be your home."
However, fans can be reassured that this won't be Linda's final appearance in Walford - as she will be back for a huge storyline.
Soap boss Chris Clenshaw has teased what storylines are in store for Linda as she tries to repair herself after Mick's 'death'.
He said: "Linda’s still very much at the heart of Albert Square and it’s so great to have Kellie. She’s not going to get over Mick very quickly. She was just reunited with him then he was snatched away from her so it won’t be all smiles straight away.
"There are big plans for Linda. She’s going to start shooting something in January that goes out in February and it’s something that we as a show haven’t done before. Linda’s at the centre of that."
"There is a question mark over the future of The Vic at the moment", he added of the owners of the pub now Mick has met his end in the frozen water, "Kellie knows what’s happening and we know what’s happening with the Vic. It’s very exciting."
