Barbara Smith bid an emotional goodbye to EastEnders as she reacted to her exit scenes.
Dana Monroe made her final appearance on the BBC One soap in an episode airing last night, and she took to Instagram to document her experiences of her time on the show. Sharing how grateful she was for her time on the programme, she vowed to carry her character with her wherever she goes as she paid tribute to the soap.
She was seen leaving the show yesterday in emotional scenes as her and her dad Rocky managed to put on a brave face for one another. Dana is now heading to university to continue with her studies.
Taking to Instagram, Barbara wrote: "And that’s a wrap for me on @bbceastenders!!!!!!!
"When I first stepped onto the square I had to pinch myself. What a lucky girl I am to have been a part of such an incredible (and not to mention iconic) show, to evolve and put my stamp on such a wonderful, real character who always tries to do the right thing and show you all what I can do as an actress. Dana Monroe I will carry you with me everywhere I go."
She added: "I’m so grateful to everyone at EastEnders who gave me this phenomenal opportunity (Ps I snuck in a classic large-collared Dana outfit at the end because I’m gonna miss her and her giant collars so much)."
Her co-stars were quick to pay tribute to her as she made her exit from the BBC One soap.
"You are amazing!! Can’t wait to see the future has in store for you & cheer you along the way," Clair Norris wrote, as Charlie Wernham - who played Aaron Monroe - added: "You were amazing sis! Lots of love."
EastEnders aired her exit scenes on the BBC soap on Thursday night, as she headed to university after she was convinced to go and continue her education. She shared her fear on how her father would cope if she went to university as planned, but she soon learned Harvey had all the support he needed. He has had a tough few months, which led to him drinking and struggling to cope.
Whilst she debated whether she has to go, Harvey and his pals threw Dana a goodbye party and celebrated her big moment - with her finally agreeing to go. Dana was quick to find Harvey's ex Jean Slater, asking her to keep an eye on her dad while she was away.
In her final scenes, Dana headed for the tube station with her luggage as she promised to keep in touch with her dad. The pair hugged it out and said their goodbyes, as she made her way through the ticket barrier in her final scenes.
