Mysterious Coronation Street character Curtis Delamere has finally revealed the secret he's been hiding since his arrival on the soap - and fans are devastated.
Corrie viewers have been kept guessing for months about what secret Curtis, played by Ackley Bridge star Sam Retford, had been hiding since he arrived and set pulses racing on the cobbles.
The handsome stranger has won the admiring glances of Emma Brooker and they've swiftly become the soap's cutest couple.
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But on Monday night's show viewers finally got to discover the hidden truth about Curtis - that he is battling a devastating terminal condition that means he could "drop dead" at any moment.
Curtis told Emma's dad Steve - before swearing him to secrecy - "It's a heart condition, even the doctors are baffled."
Steve asked what was the diagnosis, to which Curtis said: "No one knows, I could have a totally normal life span or, that's it, anyplace, anywhere.
"My heart has stopped a couple of times. In layman's terms I was dead. I'd like to say there were bright lights and heavenly choirs but I don't remember anything until the medics brought me round".
Fans were "devastated" by Curtis' plight, as he has been a popular addition to the cast since joining earlier this year.
One fan said: "Curtis is dying. This is so sad as well after Emma lost Seb. Emma desperately needs some happiness."
Another added: "The likeable characters never last long on these soaps. Poor Curtis."
His secret was uncovered after a fuming Steve thought he'd found Curtis cheating with another woman - but it turned out it was his friend Danielle (played by former Hollyoaks star Lucy Dixon) who is from his terminal illness self help group.
Curtis ending up dumping Emma as he confided he couldn't bear her being with him out of sympathy.
While Steve has been sworn to secrecy, soap spoilers for the week ahead see Emma DOES find out about the shocking health diagnosis, but how will she react and will the sweet couple reunite?
Coronation Street is on ITV on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
