Her final scenes had viewers up and down the country blubbing their hearts out – with many unashamedly taking to social media to admit as much.
But Abi Branning’s departure from EastEnders last night proved just as emotional for her co-star Jacqueline Jossa, who posted a heartfelt tribute to her on-screen sister on Instagram.
Uploading a behind-the-scenes pic of herself and Lorna Fitzgerald, Jac revealed she was filled with sadness as she watched Abi’s final scenes, but said their journey had been ‘amazing’.
“RIP Abi Branning”, Jacqueline wrote under the image, adding in a heart emoji.
“Filled with sadness watching that episode. Will miss being your big sister Lorna. Thank you for all the lovely comments. The journey has been amazing and it was a beautiful but emotional end. Hope you all ‘enjoyed’ the ep!”
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Gulp…
Jacqueline’s Instagram followers were quick to share with her the effect Abi’s final scenes had on them, too, taking to her feed in their droves to reveal their upset.
“Haven’t cried like that over a soap in years! Really well done,” wrote one.
Another wrote how the scenes had ‘floored’ her, and left her reaching for the tissues. “Simply heartbreaking! I went through so many tissues. Didn’t think I’d be that bad. Looking at the photos of her when she was young and playing her tunes… floored me. An episode never to forget!”
You and us both, love.
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Others still couldn’t believe that Abi had finally passed away, with one fan commenting: “I was hoping she would fight when they switched it off.”
Sob…
Jacqueline, 25, has recently filmed her own exit from the soap, telling fans on Instagram 10 days ago that she was off to work for the final time.
Just days later, she announced she is expecting her second baby with husband Dan Osbourne, something she said was a ‘huge shock’. The pair are already proud parents to daughter Ella, two, and Dan has a son Teddy, four, from a previous relationship.
We can expect to still see Jacqueline on our screens as Lauren until February – and let’s hope her departure won’t put us through the mill quite as much as poor old Abi’s did…
Brilliant work, girls!