Joe McFadden’s exit from Holby City has been confirmed.
The actor – who played Raf in the BBC medical drama – reportedly quit the show to give him his best chance at victory on Strictly Come Dancing but his exit left fans sobbing.
He told The Sun: “It’s been great because I can concentrate on Strictly. It’s worked out for the best.”
Joe added: “Strictly has given me a hunger to do live theatre again, to challenge yourself. It feels like the stars are all aligned.”
Read more: Strictly Come Dancing’s Joe McFadden confirms he’s leaving Holby
Raf left the show in Thursday night’s episode as he was shot by Fredrik Johansson, son of the CEO of Holby City Hospital.
He was left to bleed to death after being shot with none of his colleagues realising he was missing while they dealt with the attack.
It became clear that while the staff were focused on saving Jac, they didn’t realise that she hasn’t been directly shot and instead Raf had.
But sadly by the time he was found it was too late.
Holby fans were devastated by the loss with one writing: “HOW COULD THEY KILL RAF OFF HOW COULD THEY.”
Another tweeted: “no no no no Raf my baby my heart hurts.”
Read more: Strictly star Joe McFadden urges show to make some changes
“They need an ambulance full of awards for this special. We bow to you all for this,” said a third.
Another wrote: “Absolutely outstanding acting from the cast and crew ! By far the best drama and needs more recognition!”