Joe McFadden has apologised to fans who were stunned last night when a secret he’s kept for months was sensationally revealed.
The actor had hinted during his stint on Strictly Come Dancing that he’s loved performing live so much, he may move on from Holby City so he can do more of it.
Then on the show last night, it was confirmed in the most dramatic fashion that Joe’s time on the wards was indeed up, as he was killed off in gory scenes.
His character Raf bled to death after he was shot by Fredrik Johansson, son of the CEO of Holby City Hospital.
Viewers were shocked and saddened by the sudden exit of one of their favourite characters, believing Joe would return to Holby after Strictly.
But Joe told The Sun he had to leave the medical drama after four years so he could give the dancing competition his all, and hopefully win the glitterball trophy.
Read more: Shock death rocks Holby City leaving viewers sobbing
He said: “It’s been great because I can concentrate on Strictly. It’s worked out for the best.”
On his Twitter account last night, he then apologised to fans who were shocked by his sudden death on the show, including Lorraine Kelly!
Responding to one fan who said “you kept your leaving Holby a massive secret, I’ll miss you” Joe said: “Sorry about that but I had to and thanks.”
After Lorraine tweeted to congratulate him on his moving last performance, he wrote: “Thanks Lorraine, wanted to warn you when we last chatted but couldn’t.”
He then thanked everyone who had sent him messages in response to his shock exit, saying he was “touched” so many had been moved by the news.
Last night Twitter exploded with Holby fans reacting to Raf’s death, with many saying they were in floods of tears.
One wrote: “HOW COULD THEY KILL RAF OFF HOW COULD THEY.”
Another tweeted: “no no no no Raf my baby my heart hurts.”
Joe had hinted last month that he was ready to move on from the medical drama as he’d love to return to his roots performing on stage.
He hoped his appearance on Strictly would open these doors to him so he took the decision to leave Holby for good so he could dedicate all his time to training.
Thankfully for Joe, his gamble paid off as he’s made it to the semi-final and is currently the favourite to win.
The Strictly judges have been impressed with his moves, consistently giving him high scores.
Joe told The Sun he’s glad the career move has worked out for him.
He said: “Strictly has given me a hunger to do live theatre again, to challenge yourself. It feels like the stars are all aligned.”
This weekend he’ll be performing two routines with partner Katya – an American Smooth to Have You Met Miss Jones? By Robbie Williams and the Argentine Tango to Human by Rag n’ Bone Man.
Read more: Strictly pro reveals truth behind exit rumours
He joked to one fan on Twitter that his “burst jugular” won’t affect his performance!