Brace yourselves EastEnders fans - it looks like we're in for another grim Christmas in Albert Square.

Details are emerging about a bleak festive plot that could be the exit storyline for Ronnie and Roxy Mitchell, two of the soap's most popular characters. But while fans will have known for a few weeks now that the two actresses who play the sisters - Samantha Womack and Rita Simons - are leaving the show, the nature of their departure will not please fans. 'The Sun' is reporting that a huge storyline in the New Year's Eve episode will result in both characters being killed off - rather than having them depart Walford and hence leave the door open for either one to return to the show at a later stage. A source told the paper that the two stars are "devastated" about the news - and that their castmates are very annoyed too.

"Everyone’s in shock," the source said. "The cast are really upset as it’s come out of the blue. “People are worried who’s going to be next. The script for Roxy and Ronnie’s deaths has been written, but none of the actors know what’s going to happen.”

Fans have not been taking the news well either. https://twitter.com/WhyThatFangirl/status/780035207319748609 https://twitter.com/JackRosenthaler/status/780195890090901504 https://twitter.com/IHeartEnders/status/780147419078164480 https://twitter.com/_xjade987/status/780104542197256192 https://twitter.com/SamSmithFan_XX/status/780101787592298496 https://twitter.com/adoresdelano/status/779983026956726272 An EastEnders spokesperson responded to concerns by saying:

“We know how much our audience hate to have any future storylines spoilt so we will not comment on speculative stories. At no point have we received any concerns from cast about any of our future storylines.”

Another source told Digital Spy:

"Alongside Samantha, Rita was recently offered to take part in the same big storyline that will see the Mitchell sisters depart Walford, but we will not be releasing any further details at this time. We wish Rita all the best for the future."

Womack and Simons' departures come as part of a big shake-up and clear-out of characters on the show: Kyle Slater, the soap's first trans character is being axed too, as is Masood Ahmed.