Earlier this year EastEnders fans were left heartbroken after it was revealed Ronnie and Roxy Mitchell will be written out of the long-running soap. And it seems the infamous sisters are set to have one of the show's most dramatic exits after reports suggest the pair will meet a tragic end.
The vivacious characters - played by Samantha Womack and Rita Simons respectively - are believed to be leaving the soap - along with others - as part of a shake-up by new boss Sean O'Connor.
The Sun claims the Mitchell sisters will meet a grisly death as Ronnie tries to save her sister's life after she falls into a swimming pool. The tragic scenes, due to air over the New Year period, are set to come after Ronnie ties the knot with on/off partner Jack Branning for a second time.
Ronnie and Roxy Mitchell are set to have one of EastEnders' most dramatic exits
"Ronnie has been through some grim storylines in her time in Walford, it’s only fitting that she goes in a similar fashion," a source revealed. "The scenes are going to be hard to watch."
Last week, former co-star and EastEnders stalwart Barbara Windsor publicly criticised the decision to write Ronnie and Roxy Mitchell out of show. "It wasn't the girls' choice," the 79-year-old actress told the Sun. "It's the new producer's decision. I'm sure he will be good for the show, but that is a mistake. When I heard I was shocked."
"Feeling loved and supported by my Auntie P. Love her forever," Samantha later tweeted.
The actresses confirmed their departure from the BBC soap earlier this year
Samantha, 43, also shared a sentimental video collage made by a fan of the fictional sisters and commented: "10 years of ll Ronnie and Roxy Mitchell . My heart is breaking watching this."
The much-loved stars first appeared as Roxy and Ronnie back in 2007, when they were introduced as the cousins of Phil and Grant Mitchell. They have since gone on to become popular members of the show in the decade since they arrived.