EastEnders fans in tears as beloved characters leave the square – with an emotional twist

EASTENDERS fans said an emotional goodbye to Stuart and Rainie Highway as they exit the soap.

Stuart (Ricky Champ) left the square in high sprits alongside his wife Rainie (Tanya Franks), despite battling with his postnatal depression in recent weeks.  

BBC

Stuart agrees to move with wife Rainie and son Roland[/caption]

BBC

Stuart has a message for Ben before he leaves[/caption]

In their last episode of the BBC soap, Rainie struggled to find her husband a job after Jay fired him.

Unable to find work, Rainie suggested a “new start” and “new life” moving to her one-bedroom flat with a view of North Circular.

Stuart was overjoyed by the idea and was ready to leave that night but said: “there is something I have to do first.”

Stuart rushed to find Ben to remind him that he is meant to be with Callum and will “find a way” to be together again.

He told Ben that he and Callum were good together and has never seen his brother smile so much.

He added Callum “loves the bones of you” and to not lose hope in reuniting.

But then he warned Ben not to break Callum’s heart, otherwise he will be “back in a flash” and “sizing you up for a coffin.”

Stuart then joined Rainie on the square in a stolen car and said their goodbyes to Karen, Mitch, Bernie, Callum and nan Violet.

The couple drove around Albert Square one last time before leaving their Walford lives behind them.

Fans couldn’t help but get emotional as Stuart and Rainie departed.

Taking to Twitter, one said: “What an exit!!!#EastEnders.”

Another wrote: “Shame to see Stuart go and Rainie they was the best on the square in my opinion. Won’t be the same without them two. #EastEnders.”

A third penned: “finally a happy ending for stu and rainie.”

The actor has played Stuart since 2018 introduced as Callum’s brother and childhood friend of Mick Carter.

Ricky took to Instagram to share a collage of photos of him as Stuart.

He wrote: “What a crazy amazing journey. It’s going to be strange not having this guy living in my head. Farewell Mr Highway, it’s been emotional.”

BBC

Rainie steals a car to which Jay turns a blind eye to[/caption]

BBC

The couple leave the square[/caption]