Corrie fans were left scratching their heads last night as Eileen Grimshaw appeared to leave the soap without any fanfare.
The popular character, who has endured more trauma than most people do in several lifetimes, left Weatherfield with Nicola Rubinstein.
And fans were disappointed the Street Cars veteran left in such a low-key way.
Read more: Coronation Street fans in tears at Aidan’s funeral – but “disgusted” with Johnny Connor
During Wednesday night’s episode (13 June), Eileen and Pat Phelan’s daughter Nicola left Coronation Street for a new life in Bristol.
A handful of Street friends, including Gary Windass and Steve McDonald, waved goodbye to the two women and baby Zack as they departed in the back of a taxi.
Saying her emotional farewells, Eileen admitted that she wished she was saying goodbye to a happier place…
Well, yes, it hasn’t been the most joyous of places recently, what with Eileen’s husband being a serial killer and all!
Don’t miss out: Three steps to ensure you see all ED!’s latest news on Facebook
But fans were shocked to think that Eileen has really left for good.
One viewer said: “Didn’t think Eileen would really leave the Cobbles…”
Another joked: “We really needed an Eileen vs Gail showdown for Eileen’s last scene!”
A third commented: “Quite a low key exit for such a big character. Goodbye Eileen.”
Is this temporary or is eileen actually leaving for good 🤔 #corrie
— Sean ferguson (@crazycatgay02) June 13, 2018
#Corrie is Eileen leaving for good?
— deerossi (@deenarossi) June 13, 2018
Nooo, you'd better come back soon Eileen ☹️ #corrie
— magsmessage (@shushnow1665) June 13, 2018
Steve saying goodbye to Eileen MY HEART😿 #Corrie @itvcorrie
— Lucy Critchett (@lucycritchett) June 13, 2018
Please don't leave Eileen @sue_cleaver #corrie @itvcorrie
— Shaun Eley (@Eley01) June 13, 2018
I can't believe Eileen actually left!! Surely not for good?! @Sue_Cleaver #corrie
— Katie (@Kitkatie89) June 13, 2018
Nooooo Corrie how can you get rid of Eileen you dumb chicken heeds 😤😭
— Cam Kirkham BABY (@camkirkham_) June 13, 2018
Don’t go Eileen!! ❤️ #Corrie
— Mollie (@MollBBUK) June 13, 2018
So is that really the end of Eileen’s time on Coronation Street?
In the words of a fan, who spoke for most of us: “Nooo, you’d better come back soon Eileen.”
In an online pool, fans predicted Eileen and Nicola will be back within three months…
Or is that just wishful thinking?
"See ya, wouldn't wanna be ya!"
Goodbye Eileen, Nicola and Zack – we're missing you already! 👋#Corrie pic.twitter.com/wfniGWdOKb
— Coronation Street (@itvcorrie) June 13, 2018
Would you like to see Eileen return to the cobbles? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think!