Shirley Carter has become the fourth character to leave EastEnders in just under a week.
The mass exodus all kicked off when Mick Carter - played by Danny Dyer - disappeared into the frozen waters around the Dover coastline as he tried to save his ex-wife Linda Carter from drowning. He had also successfully rescued his current partner Janine Butcher but he wasn't able to save himself and he's thought to have died.
Following that, Janine was arrested by police for her part in framing Linda Carter for the car crash and the evil villain - played by Charlie Brooks - exited the BBC soap in scenes on Boxing Day.
As the fall out from Mick's 'death' continued, Shirley and Linda had to face up with the fact he might never be back to his home of the Queen Vic. In sad scenes, Shirley cried as friends Denise and Jean supported her over Mick's disappearance.
Shirley has also been a big support for Linda, who is understandably struggling following the events of Christmas night. She left the Square earlier this week to tell the kids about what had happened to Mick and console them over the sad news.
However, Shirley has seemingly made her own decision about her time in the East End and went to visit Jean as she confirmed she would be leaving. She told her friend there was nothing left for her here after what happened to Mick.
In sad scenes, Shirley handed the keys to the pub to Denise and asked her to keep an eye on things whilst she was gone. Whilst she didn't confirm when she'd be back, it has been revealed that actress Linda Henry will be back.
Linda Carter's exit is also temporary and she will be part of a "groundbreaking" storyline next year.
Soap boss Chris Clenshaw said: "inda’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."
