Fans of Red Rock were left reeling tonight after one of the soap's main characters meets a grisly end after they are brutally stabbed to death. Spoiler alert!!!!
It's the first time the soap has killed off one of its main characters since it began at the start of this year.
Gareth Philips, Executive Producer of Red Rock, said “We really wanted this character’s loss to be a huge surprise to our audience. We’re so proud of these episodes and really hope the audience gets behind us."
"It was a big decision for us to kill off one of our central characters, but much like when Games of Thrones killed Sean Bean in its first series, we felt losing this character would open up new story opportunities for the future," he added.
Incredible writing from @KimRevill & superb directing from @Lismulcahy. Huge thanks to the wonderful Richard Flood. We'll miss him. #RedRock
— Gareth Philips (@GarethPhilips) December 30, 2015
The character's fate caused much speculation with viewers ahead of Wednesday night's explosive cliff-hanger.
In the end it was Superintendent James McKay who met his fate after he was stabbed to death by an unknown assailant outside the garda station. Viewers saw McKay dramatically bleed to death on the ground from his injuries while Paudge also was badly hurt in the attack.
Superintendent McKay after the attack
The dramatic and bloody finale to the episode prompted many viewers to praise the writing and acting on social media. However many more distraught fans have lamented the passing of one of the soap's better looking cast members.
In bits watching @RedRockTV3 😢😢 my favourite character... noooooo!!! Superb watching tho 👍👏 (despite being an emotional wreck now) #RedRock
— KatieAmakk (@katie_makk) December 30, 2015
Wife was wrong- she said they'd never kill the handsome lad #RedRock
— Will Leahy (@willleahy) December 30, 2015
Congrats all - that was of the highest level - applause!!!! @RedRockTV3 @GarethPhilips #RedRock
— CarolineGraceCassidy (@CGraceCassidy) December 30, 2015
Well done @RedRockTV3 .... not afraid to bump off a top character. Was always gonna be McKay or Paudge!! Great tv #RedRock
— Kev Costello (@KevoC2) December 30, 2015
