It was confirmed by doctors this evening that Abi (played by Lorna Fitzgerald) was “already dead”, leaving many to ponder why Tanya had not been seen since Boxing Day.
Abi has been laying in hospital helped by a life support machine, but Tanya has not been shown visiting Abi.
Tanya briefly returned to the soap to take Abi and Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) away from Max (Jake Wood) on Christmas Day, before watching both her daughters tragically fall from the Queen Vic roof.
However, after Abi received the tragic diagnosis that she is brainstem dead, Tanya appeared to make a dash for it.
As Max received more heartbreaking news tonight, fans rushed to social media to question Tanya’s absence.
One viewer tweeted: “So where the hell is Tanya this whole time? What kind of mother leaves both their children in hospital like this? Are you bantering me?? #EastEnders.”
“Just one question where has Tanya gone??? Daughter in hospital and not been seen since accident #EastEnders @bbceastenders,” posted another.
A third asked: “I’ve asked this question before and I’m going to ask it again….WHERE IN THE WORLD IS TANYA?!?! #EastEnders.”
“Bet Jo Joyner is on a beach somewhere anonymously tweeting ‘Where’s Tanya? Doesn’t she love her kids??’ and laughing her head off at this madness. #EastEnders,” teased another.
A fifth raged: “Where the f**k is fucking Tanya it’s p***ing me off #EastEnders.”
“For someone who was so adamant they don’t want Max around the kids. Tanya has picked a strange time to go missing again #EastEnders,” noted another.
Max previously explained that Tanya had been to the hospital but was doing everything in her power to avoid him because “she couldn’t bare to be around” him.
Josh Hemmings (Eddie Eyre) seemed to side with Tanya as he also warned Max: “I think it’s best if you leave. Tanya has already told security that you’ve been harassing her.”
Tanya actress Jo previously admitted her return to Albert Square was just “a visit”.
Will she return for a final goodbye as doctors urge Max to switch off the life support machine?
EastEnders continues tomorrow on BBC One at 7.30pm.
