EastEnders' Kellie Bright has paid an emotional goodbye to her co-star Danny Dyer, prompting fans to think he's definitely left the soap.
Mick Carter, played by Danny, 45, appeared to have drowned after jumping in the Channel in a desperate bid to save his ex-wife Linda Carter, played by Kellie, 46 on Christmas Day, not realising she had already swam to safety.
Fans had hoped the landlord may still be alive and Danny even teased the character's return when he rocked up on a beach on Boxing Day assuring Mick was just 'having a rest'.
But now Kellie has taken to Instagram telling her co-star it was the 'end of an era' in a very poignant statement.
Sharing a pic of the pair hugging, she wrote: "My Mick…. It was only a matter of time… but who would have thought that it would have taken 9 years for Mick and Linda to finally come to an end. It has been, without a doubt, the best years of my life so far… for many reasons, but YOU @officialdannydyer are definitely one of them.
"This photo was taken on our last day on set together (we were both a bit puffy eyed from the water tank) but it really sums us up. We made each other smile. Every day. I will always be grateful for that. Sad as I am that our TV coupling is over, Kellie and Danny will be friends forever. Thank you for EVERYTHING. See you in the real world very soon. Love your L."
Fans were heartbroken over the emotional post with many saying Danny had filmed his last scenes for the soap.
One wrote: "You two created one of the best dynamics in TV history. We will miss you on screen together."
While another said: "Gutted M&L. Will things ever be the same again?"
After the dramatic episode on Christmas Day, which saw Linda and Janine dive off the cliff Thelma and Louise style with Mick jumping in after them, it's clear things won't be the same again.
Janine has now been carted off to the Nick as Charlie Brooks takes some time off from the soap.
Kellie played tribute to her nemesis on Instagram, thanking the actress for being her pal.
She wrote: "YOU have made the past year SO bloody amazing. I have LOVED being with both on and off screen. Getting to play opposite my Janiniepops was a dream come true. You are without a doubt one of my favourite people. Thank you for making it such a JOY. See you in the real world my amazing friend forever."
Charlie returned the compliment, replying: "Thank YOU @kelliebrightofficial. We haven’t stopped laughing and talking since the day we met! That little thing called work really used to get in the way of our chats . You've been a rock and make everything better. I love you. I can’t wait to see you soon xxx."
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