Casualty fans left sobbing over legend Connie Beauchamp's sudden exit after 17 years

Casualty viewers were left sobbing last night as legend Connie Beauchamp suddenly left after 17 years in an incredibly understated way.

Despite Connie's explosive storylines over the years - from seducing employees to almost losing her daughter Grace and being diagnosed with cancer - her exit was a very quiet affair.

After years of putting her career first, Connie, played by actress Amanda Mealing, put her family first and left with her daughter.

And tearful fans flocked to Twitter to comment, with one writing: "I’m so glad Connie got to leave how Amanda wanted! Like many, I love the explosions and the omg #Casualty moments but I think allowing Connie to leave quietly with her daughter, putting herself & her family first was a actually lovely exit!"

Connie Beauchamp suddenly left after 17 years on Casualty last night (BBC)

While another commented: "Oh now I see how the rest of the cast didn't know @meamandamealing was leaving until after she'd filmed her final scenes! A quiet exit for Connie but it worked well. Will miss her though! #Casualty."

A third wrote: "Oh I just wasn’t ready for this! I’m so proud to be a fan of such an inspiring, hard working and talented lady like Amanda! She has taken the role of Connie and completely smashed it week in, week out! Nobody does it Mrs Beauchamp. You’ll be sorely missed Queen B! #Casualty."

A fan questioned: "wait how was that connie’s last episode, does she just disappear now or?? #casualty."

Viewers weren't ready for Connie's exit (BBC)

Another tweeted: "sobbing mess! that was such a beautiful scene! Connie finally opening up to Grace, explaining why she reacts how she does melted my heart! They really are so alike and do need each other! #Casualty."

Actress Amanda reacted to her exit last night, saying that she was "struggling to see through the tears" and refused to rule out a potential return in the future.

She wrote on Twitter: "I’m struggling to see through the tears. Thank you for all the love. #AuRevoir not goodbye #17YearsOfConnie is a long time."

Reacting to a tweet from a Casualty video waving goodbye to the 'Queen of Casualty', she wrote: "What an amazing send off. Thank you, guys! Thank you."

*Casualty airs Saturdays on BBC One