EastEnders fans work out hidden meaning behind THIS beloved character's HARROWING exit

Last night's EastEnders saw a heartbreaking exit from Walford, but fans have worked out there is more to Honey Mitchell's departure than meets the eye...

EastEnders fans were left in tears last night as Honey Mitchell made an emotional departure from Walford as she takes time away from her family to fight her eating disorder head on.

The sad scenes that were aired on Friday (17th January) saw Honey admitting to ex Billy Mitchell that she needed professional help with her mental health, and make the tough decision to stay with her aunt in a bid to get better for the sake of her children.

Honey leaves EastEnders BBC — Honey made the heartbreaking decision to leave Walford and get help for her eating disorder last night (Picture: BBC)

However EastEnders fans have worked out there is more to her exit than meets the eye, because in reality actress Emma Barton is actually taking part in the Strictly Come Dancing tour that has just hit the road.

WHAT IS ON TONIGHT? Check out our NEW and improved TV Guide

The actress got to the final of the dancing competition last year after wowing fans and judges alike with her fancy footwork with professional partner Anton Du Beke, only to be pipped to the post by Kelvin Fletcher and his professional dance partner Oti Mabuse.

Strictly Come Dancing Arena Tour 2020 - Photocall — Emma is taking a break from EastEnders to take part in the 2020 Strictly Come Dancing tour (Picture: Getty) (Image credit: Getty Images)

After the reality TV show finishes at the end of each year, fans are treated to a live tour from their favourite contestants and their dance partners as the BBC Saturday night hit is recreated on dance floors around the country, and it's no secret that actress Emma is taking part...

But while fans can't wait to see Emma back in her fake tan and sequins for the Strictly tour, it is a sad time for Honey as she heads off to take on the battle of a lifetime.

The character finally admitted that she needed help after getting a shocking wake up call from her daughter, Janet.

Honey had taken her kids and their friend out for dinner, only for Janet to refuse to eat anything.

When asked about why she wasn't eating, Janet admitted she wanted to be like her mum, causing Honey to realise that her relationship with food was starting to have an effect on her daughter.

Honey left the Square last night in heartbreaking scenes, telling her kids that she was going to look after a sick aunt, when in reality it is her who needs looking after.

Let's hope we see Honey back on the Square (once the Strictly tour is over!) fighting fit and ready to take on the world soon.

EastEnders airs Monday and Friday at 8pm and Tuesday and Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One.

Claire is Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch and has been a journalist for over 15 years, writing about everything from soaps and TV to beauty, entertainment, and even the Royal Family. After starting her career at a soap magazine, she ended up staying for 13 years, and over that time she’s pulled pints in the Rovers Return, sung karaoke in the Emmerdale village hall, taken a stroll around Albert Square, and visited Summer Bay Surf Club in sunny Australia.

After learning some tricks of the trade at websites Digital Spy, Entertainment Daily, and Woman & Home, Claire landed a role at What’s On TV and whattowatch.com writing about all things TV and film, with a particular love for Aussie soaps, Strictly Come Dancing and Bake Off.

She’s interviewed everyone from June Brown — AKA Dot Cotton — to Michelle Keegan, swapped cooking tips with baking legend Mary Berry backstage at the NTAs, and danced the night away with soap stars at countless awards bashes. There’s not a lot she doesn’t know about soaps and TV and can be very handy when a soapy question comes up in a pub quiz!

As well as all things soap-related, Claire also loves running, spa breaks, days out with her kids, and getting lost in a good book.