EastEnders fans said an emotional goodbye to Stuart and Rainie Highway as they exited Walford during Thursday’s episode.
Stuart ( Ricky Champ ) left the square alongside his wife Rainie ( Tanya Franks ), after a rocky series of weeks over the summer as he battled postnatal depression.
In their last episode of the BBC soap, Rainie struggled to find her husband a job after Jay fired him, which left her suggesting they look further afield for a “new start” and “new life”.
Rainie said they could move to her one-bedroom flat with a view of North Circular, with Stuart overjoyed by the idea.
However, he said he wanted to take care of something first and sought out Ben to urge him to reconcile his relationship with Callum, saying they will "find a way" to be together again.
He added that Callum is head over heels for him and to not lose hope in reuniting, before warning Ben not to break Callum's heart.
Stuart then joined Rainie on Albert Square in a hearse and said their goodbyes to Karen, Mitch, Bernie, Callum and nan Violet.
The couple drove around Albert Square one last time before leaving their Walford lives behind them.
Fans couldn't help but get emotional as Stuart and Rainie departed, a soap viewers took to Twitter after the scenes aired, with one writing: "What an exit!!!."
Another wrote: "Shame to see Stuart go and Rainie they were the best on the square in my opinion. Won't be the same without them two."
A third penned: "Finally a happy ending for Stu and Rainie."
Ricky Champ has played Stuart since 2018, when he was introduced as Callum's brother and childhood friend of Mick Carter.
The actor took to Instagram to share a collage of photos of him as Stuart ahead of the scenes airing, writing: “What a crazy amazing journey. It’s going to be strange not having this guy living in my head. Farewell Mr Highway, it’s been emotional.”
Ricky received praise in the comments, including from co-star Milly Zero, who plays Dotty Cotton, and said: "Incredible man and actor & so blessed to have worked with you Rick."
Stuart has been at the centre of many dramatic storylines over the past few years, from his feud with Mick (Danny Dyer) to his relationship with his brother, right through to marrying Rainie and being diagnosed with cancer.
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One
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