EastEnders aired a surprise quadruple exit on Friday night, as three major characters departed the soap joined by baby Peggy Mitchell.
Phil Mitchell made a surprise exit of his own, as the legend played by actor Steve McFadden chose a life on the run.
He was joined by daughter Louise Mitchell, baby Peggy's mother, and Louise's mum Lisa Fowler.
Louise actress Tilly Keeper recently quit the role on the BBC soap, with exits confirmed for her and Lisa actress Lisa Benjamin.
As they prepared for a new life in Portugal after Peggy's dad Keanu Taylor's brutal Christmas Day "murder", Phil revealed he was also leaving.
He and son Ben Mitchell had just been arrested over Keanu's death, and after being released they decided to flee.
Ben had to say farewell to the love of his life Callum Highway, as well as his daughter Lexi.
But he soon realised he couldn't go through with it, and risked a life in prison to stay in Walford with those he loved.
Phil had made the decision to run in fear the police would be back - with the Mitchells still unaware Keanu isn't dead, having faked his murder with the help of Martin Fowler.
Martin was blackmailed by Ben to carry out the crime, but he allowed Keanu to flee.
Dennis Rickman was also meant to be leaving for Portugal, but hearing about Keanu's rumoured death led to him hiding from the Mitchells as they left for the airport.
The five characters, including Ben, were in a black cab headed out of Walford when Ben demanded they stopped the car.
Phil had said everyone he cared about would be in Portugal, but Ben felt differently - wanting to stay with Callum and Lexi.
He said: "I can’t run anymore Dad, I don’t want to. I know you said everyone you care about is coming with you but that ain't same for me, I’m sorry dad."
Fearing for his son Phil told him: "When the cops come looking for you, which they will, I want you to tell them it was all me.
"You put your life on the line for me, you stepped up and I’m grateful and I’m proud. I'm proud that you're my boy, and you deserve to be happy. So just remember it was all me."
A reluctant Ben burst into tears before racing off for an emotional reunion with Callum, knowing he had made the right choice.
Phil, meanwhile, was ready to go - as were Louise, Lisa and little Peggy.
Louise said: "Ben has a reason to stay, I don’t. The only people I need in my life are here in this cab."
The quartet then drove off in the famous black cab, as the four characters bowed out.
It's not confirmed if and when Phil will be back, or whether Ben will get away with murder.
EastEnders airs Mondays and Fridays at 8pm, and Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One.
