The exit arrived on another evening of twists and turns on the BBC soapAnna Knight and Freddie Slater left EastEnders together(Image: BBC )

EastEnders fans have said they were left ‘really disappointed’ after two major characters left Albert Square as their final scenes aired on the BBC soap.

Fans are currently trying to figure out where the residents of Walford will end up after the Christmas season. At the centre of the drama is Zoe Slater, who has been targeted by a stalker for the past few months.

Viewers saw a threatening message displayed telling Zoe to ‘die’ during the town’s Christmas lights event. It was later learned by Lily that it was her Aunt Jean Slater who displayed the message after being in a war of words with her.

Additionally, Anthony Trueman has been acting suspicious, with it revealed that he has a giant folder of photos of his ex hidden on his laptop. On top of this, the coming weeks will see Max Branning return ahead of his special New Year’s Day fastforward episode.

Despite all the drama that’s going down, it’s the exits of Molly Rainford’s Anna Knight and Bobby Brazier’s Freddie Slater which dominated conversation around scenes which aired on Tuesday night (December 2).

Jean remained unrepentant about targeting Zoe but insisted to Lily the light up threat was the one and only thing she’s done to scare Zoe away. Upstairs, Tommy swore to his parents and Zoe that he is innocent after they found an empty an of spray paint and an empty box of lights belonging to him.

Molly Rainford has finished her time on EastEnders(Image: BBC )

As Lily tried to convince Jean to come clean, a furious Zoe lashed out at Kat, Alfie and Tommy before heading downstairs and rowing with Vicki Fowler in the bar. Kat was forced to step in and reluctantly ask her daughter to leave.

Later, Zoe sought refuge from Anthony, who invited her to stay at his, as the Slaters bid a fond farewell to Freddie, who is jetting off to Australia with his former flame Anna. With neither receiving the ‘duff duff’ treatment’, Anna used her final moments in Walford to build bridges between Kojo Asare, Gina Knight and Harry Mitchell. Anna even got to speak to her dad George about the importance of forgiveness.

Those watching the episode at home rushed to the social media to have their say on Freddie and Anna leaving behind their London life in hope of Australia being the answer to all of their questions.

@LudditeCybermancer said on the EastEnders Reddit page: “I’m really disappointed that they are leaving the show, as for the most part they have added a bit of lighthearted humor. Granted the writers have taken some of the storylines to places I would rather have seen them not, so it hasn’t always been lighthearted. We’ve seen the departure of too many great characters this year.”

@thanks_akka wrote: “Anna is nice but forgettable. Gina has always had more promise than her as a character. I’m in a minority and liked Freddie. A very positive presence in the Slaters. The most disappointing part of of his run was they didn’t manage to get Little Mo back for a short stint.” @stpony posted: “Freddie round one…absolutely. Ever since he came back from his break though, he’s been a trudge. It’s no loss since they lost his high flying. And Anna…she never lived up to ANY potential.”

@Bears_are_the_best_2 commented: “I’m gonna miss Anna and Freddie.” @rozlaws joked on X, previously known as Twitter: “The backpacks that Anna and Freddie are taking on their round the world trip are tiny. Anna has one twice as big just for 3 weeks on #raceacrosstheworld. #eastenders.”

Strictly Come Dancing star Molly made Walford debut on the soap as Anna back in the summer of 2023. Introduced as the daughter of George Knight and Rose Sawyer – the name given to Cindy Beale by a witness protection programme – Anna quickly became a fan favourite.

Bobby has been playing the role of Freddie Slater, the son of Little Mo, since 2022, with the character originally played by twins Alex and Tom Kilby from 2004 to 2006. The character is best known for being involved in a heated love triangle with his best friend Bobby Beale and Anna.