EastEnders fans have voiced growing concern for soap icon Letitia Dean, following the sudden disappearance of her beloved character Sharon Watts from Albert Square. The 57-year-old actress, who has been part of the BBC soap since its first year in 1985, has appeared only nine times in 2025, sparking speculation about both her character’s and her own future on the show.

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A Sudden and Quiet Exit

Viewers last saw Sharon on October 28, when she returned briefly to Walford after spending time in America with her lifelong friend Michelle Fowler. However, her comeback was short-lived.

Upon returning, Sharon was shocked to discover that Zoe Slater had given birth to twins in her absence — and even more stunned when Zoe claimed Sharon’s late husband Dennis was the father. After uncovering Zoe’s lie, Sharon abruptly decided to leave again, with her exit confirmed in a phone conversation with Vicki Fowler.

“She won’t come back,” Vicki said after the call. “I seriously think this has tipped her over the edge. She wants to go to Florida, stay with Mum. I wish I was well enough to go with her — I need her!”

And with that, Sharon — one of EastEnders’ most enduring and dramatic figures — was gone once more.

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Fans Express Concern for Letitia Dean

While Sharon’s absence was written as a short trip abroad, many fans are worried that the storyline masks a real-life issue. Letitia Dean’s reduced screen time has led to a flood of messages on social media, with long-time viewers expressing both confusion and concern.

One fan wrote:

“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 echoed the sentiment:

“I really hope Letitia Dean is okay. She’s only just come back, and Sharon is gone again. Let’s not speculate about her private life, but I hope she’s doing well and returns soon.”

Others noted that Sharon’s limited presence this year feels “strange and rushed,” especially after being billed as central to the show’s major storylines.

“What on earth is going on with Sharon Watts?” one viewer asked. “She’s had only nine episodes after a five-month break and now she’s gone again in a hastily written exit. Worried for her.”

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A Legacy Character Missing in Action

Sharon Watts has been a fixture of EastEnders for nearly four decades, known for her turbulent love life, business battles, and complicated family ties. Her absence leaves a noticeable void — particularly as the show moves through new storylines and major exits heading into winter.

Producers have yet to comment publicly on Letitia Dean’s absence, leaving fans anxiously waiting for confirmation on whether Sharon’s return to Walford is only a matter of time — or something more uncertain.

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Hope for a Future Return

Despite the mystery surrounding her exit, fans remain hopeful. Many are confident that Sharon will return for EastEnders’ upcoming Christmas episodes, traditionally known for high drama and surprise comebacks.

For now, though, the Queen of Walford is gone — and EastEnders feels a little quieter without her.