Following Michelle Fowler’s dramatic car crash this week, all eyes were on her 17-year-old lover who made an enemy out of almost every resident in Albert Square.
With the news that her best friend was battling for her life in Walford’s Accident Emergency, it was up to Sharon Mitchell to return home and give the teenage lothario the boot.
“Michelle’s only in this place because of you,” she snapped. “If you loved her you would leave now because you are killing her.”
After Sharon’s stern warning, Preston appeared to follow her advice and was whisked off to Heathrow airport by a reluctant Martin Fowler.
And fans rejoiced at Sharon’s return and flooded Twitter with beaming posts.
“#eastenders Really Sharon, it’s so good to see you,” squealed one excitable fan, which was followed by: “I am so glad and happy to see you back on Eastenders again Sharon Mitchell your my best ever actress literally Luke.”
A third cried: “I want a friend like Sharon. So supportive all the way.”
“Sharon is the f****** BOSS!!! Get that wee Preston out the picture Shazza. LOVE IT,” roared this particularly ecstatic audience member, before one more applauded: “gwon Sharon.”
Elsewhere, Tina was left to deal with the aftermath of finding poor Sylvie Carter dead in the bathtub after she accidentally electrocuted herself.
EastEnders continues Monday at 8pm on BBC One.