EastEnders won the ratings war this New Year as millions tuned in to bid farewell to long-time favourite, Pat Evans.

The popular character  – played by Pam St Clement – was written out of the soap in emotional scenes which saw her slip away on her deathbed after a cancer battle.

Fans tweeted their reaction to the plot, with one viewer writing: "EastEnders won't be the same with out Pat Butcher! crying my eyes out!"

Even pop star Cheryl Cole tuned in to bid farewell to a national institution.

"Please tell me I'm not the only person to have shed a tear at Eastenders?? Is there something wrong with me..?" she posted.

 Meanwhile, the actress herself has been considering her future away from Albert Square.

Pam said: "She's been my doppelganger all these years, 25-and-a-half years.

And maybe I might find myself emerging like a chrysalis from this from the image of Pat, I don't know."

Photo: © BBC