Bosses of huge TV entities are entirely aware of what they are doing. Little drips and drabs of information make it through to us and before we know it, we’re set up in front of the box waiting for that impending disaster. Granted, some exits are better than others but here are nine of our favourites...

1. Lady Sybil Crawley, Downton Abbey

We’re pretty sure that Matthew’s death was just as shocking but Lady Sybil was the first of the show’s main characters to make an exit and what a dramatic one that was!

2. Lucy Knight, ER

Who doesn’t remember Lucy’s death? We’re pretty sure you could tell us where you were!

3. Dan Connor, Roseanne

One of the greatest characters in Roseanne, the lovable Dan passed away. The whole thing was pretty heartbreaking...

4. Maude Flanders, The Simpsons

Hang on, they killed off a cartoon character? From a cartoon? What?

5. Richard Hillman, Coronation Street

Better known as Evil Hillman, Dirty Dick drowned after attempting to take Gail and the kids down with him.

6. Mike Delfino, Desperate Housewives

Sitting on his porch, pondering life as it was and then BAM! Mike Delfino was no more. Yes, we were pretty shocked too.

7. Joyce Summers, Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Well, if you can’t even protect your own mother Buffy, what kind of slayer are you?! (We know, she couldn't save her)

8. Stacey Branning, Eastenders

Ok, Stacey, you did screw up but no one wants you to actually leave!

 

9. Marissa Cooper, The OC

The car accident, the dramatic music, Ryan crying... It was all just too much!