EastEnders fans have been left reeling by reports that two of the soap's iconic characters, Ronnie and Roxy Mitchell, will meet a "gruesome end" in their exit storyline.
Warning: spoiler alert!
British tabloid The Sun claims that while the soap's producers have talked about filming different endings in a bid to keep the actual storyline a secret, Ronnie and Roxy - played by Samantha Womack and Rita Simons - will meet "a watery death" in a swimming pool.
A source told the paper: "From the minute it was revealed they were leaving, and even before, the writers have been trying to think of a brilliant way to kill them off. They've been trying to keep it a huge secret.
"The swimming pool scene they're working on will be huge and a real talking point for EastEnders fans. It's going to be a grizzly, gruesome end for them both."
Actors Womack and Simons joined the soap in 2007 as the cousins of Albert Square hard men Phil and Grant Mitchell, played by Steve McFadden and Ross Kemp. They have been part of some of EastEnders' biggest storylines in the past decade with fights, affairs and murder among many twists.
Their departures from the soap were announced in August, with the BBC promising an "unmissable exit".
Thanku guys 4 all the continued love & support u have shown me (and Roxy) over the years. I'm so grateful for my time on EE. Love to u all❤️
— Rita Simons (@OfficialRita) August 18, 2016
A statement at the time said: "Having joined the show in 2007, Rita immediately won the hearts of the audience in the role of Roxy Mitchell and between her and Samantha Womack they created one of the most iconic duos EastEnders has ever seen.
"Alongside Samantha, Rita was recently offered to take part in the same big storyline that will see the Mitchell sisters depart Walford. We're keeping details of what's in store firmly under wraps for now, but there are still lots of twists to come before they leave our screens."
Thank you SO much for all your kind words about me leaving EE,It's so humbling to know you loved Ronnie as much as I did! Very grateful Xxx
— Sam Womack (@Sam_Womack) August 14, 2016
