EastEnders viewers were left shocked and concerned after Sharon Watts, played by Letitia Dean, made a sudden exit from Albert Square during Tuesday night’s episode — just weeks after her highly anticipated return. The abrupt departure has sparked worry among fans, many of whom are now speculating about the beloved actress’s real-life wellbeing.

Sharon’s Storyline Comes to an Abrupt Halt

Sharon returned to Walford last month following a trip to America, where she had been visiting her sister, Michelle. However, her comeback was short-lived — she appeared in only nine episodes before leaving again.

Upon her return, Sharon was stunned to discover that Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan) had secretly given birth to twins during her absence — and that Zoe had falsely claimed Sharon’s late husband, Dennis, was their father. When the truth came out, Sharon was devastated by the betrayal and decided to leave the Square once more, heading back to Florida to stay with her mother.

Her exit was revealed in a quiet, emotional phone call to Vicki Fowler, who told another character, “She won’t come back. I seriously think this has tipped her over the edge… She was in bits.”

Viewers Express Concern for Letitia Dean

The sudden disappearance of such an iconic character has alarmed longtime fans. Letitia Dean, 57, has played Sharon on and off since 1985, making her one of the soap’s longest-running and most cherished figures.

On social media, viewers expressed both confusion and concern:

• “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.”

• “I really hope Letitia Dean is okay — Sharon’s gone again so suddenly. Let’s not speculate, but fingers crossed she’s back soon.”

• “What on EARTH is going on with Sharon Watts? Nine episodes since coming back after a five-month break, and she’s gone again. Worried for her.”

Others pointed out that Sharon’s erratic on-screen presence — including her absence around the time of Martin’s death — felt unusual for such a central character, adding to the mystery.

Chaos Around Zoe Slater Adds to the Drama

Meanwhile, Zoe Slater’s latest storyline has taken a bizarre and emotional turn. Viewers saw Zoe lying about her twins’ paternity in a desperate attempt to get money from Sharon. When Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) exposed the lie to Vicki, tensions exploded, leading to Sharon’s departure.

Fans have since begun speculating that Zoe’s erratic behavior — including an emotional scene involving her search for a missing cat — could be masking a serious illness.

One fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “I think there’s more to Zoe’s state of mind than meets the eye. She might be dying — that’s why she’s desperate to find her son.” Another added: “Her energy is off. It feels like she’s hiding something major.”

What’s Next for Sharon and Zoe?

As of now, the BBC has not commented on Letitia Dean’s absence or confirmed when — or if — Sharon will return to EastEnders. The soap is known for temporary exits to accommodate actors’ schedules, but Sharon’s back-and-forth appearances and sudden departure have left viewers uneasy.

For now, fans can only hope that Letitia Dean is taking some well-deserved time off — and that Sharon Watts will once again return to Walford where she belongs.