EastEnders viewers have expressed concern for Letitia Dean following her character Sharon Watts’ departure last week (October 28). The 57 year old actress has featured in the BBC soap intermittently since 1985, and whilst her current run has spanned over 14 years, she has only made a handful of appearances this year, leading some fans to question her wellbeing off-screen.

At the end of last month, Sharon returned to Walford following a period in America visiting best mate Michelle, and missed the highly-anticipated comeback of Zoe Slater whilst she was abroad.

Upon arriving home, she was stunned to discover that Zoe had delivered her twins during her absence from Albert Square, and offered support to her son when Zoe claimed that her late husband Dennis was the father, which proved to be false, reports the Mirror.

After uncovering Zoe’s deception, Sharon departed once again for Florida, with confirmation of her exit delivered through a telephone conversation with Vicki Fowler. After ending the call, she simply remarked: “She won’t come back. I seriously think this has tipped her over the edge, and she was so strong for me. She was in bits. She wants to go to Florida, stay with mum. I wish I was well enough to go with her, I need her!”

Viewers immediately flocked to social media to discuss what might be happening, considering the beloved character has only appeared nine times since her comeback.

One viewer commented: “I hope Letitia Dean’s alright. Before she came back it was said she had lots coming up and now she’s left again after only a month onscreen. Makes me think it was a last minute exit.”

Another fan said they hoped Letitia Dean was okay, reminding others not to speculate about her personal life and expressing hope she’d be back soon.

A third remarked: “i hope letitia dean is ok… sharon’s exit around the time of matins death and her subsequent exit again now r really peculiar in terms of plot direction… not like being nosey or anything just hope she’s ok” (sic).

A fourth commented: “What on EARTH is going on with Sharon Watts. She returned after a five-month break, completed nine episodes, and then left again in another hastily written exit. Worried for her.”

Echoing the concern, another viewer stated: “I genuinely hand on heart really hope she’s okay! It’s so sad to not see her on screen.”