It's not uncommon for EastEnders to resurrect dead characters but Roxy Mitchell's cameo from beneath the grave gave soap fans a shock.
Rita Simmons hasn't been seen on screen as Roxy since 2017, when she was killed off alongside her sister Ronnie , in their accident on New Year's Day.
After learning of her tragic death a devastated Sean Slater, played by Robert Kazinsky, was seen repeatedly playing a voice message from Roxy, as he considered taking his own life.
Her heartbreaking cameo came as a surprise for viewers who are still not over her demise.
Sean, who married Roxy in 2008, made his return to Walford this week but didn't know his ex-wife had died.
Roxy's familiar voice was heard during the scene, as a heartbroken Sean, who never stopped loving his ex, came to terms with her death.
She could be heard saying: "Babe? Where are you? Hurry up, I really want to see you."
In some of the soap’s most powerful scenes ever, Jean Slater tried to convince her son not to take his own life .
An emotional Sean looked back at an old wedding photo of him and Roxy as he mourned the loss of his ex.
Roxy and Ronnie's exits had been devastating for fans after they drowned in a swimming pool.
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One person on Twitter wrote: "OMG Roxy's voice from beyond the grave."
Another said: "Sean's kept a voicemail from Roxy. I'm emotional watching these scenes."
"Sean still loves Roxy so much, my heart," added a third with a broken heart and crying emoji.
* Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org
*EastEnders airs on BBC One on Monday and Fridays at 8pm and Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 7.30pm
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