The silent character has pulled pints since the show first burst onto screens in 1985, but apart from the occasional line she has remained in the background, until she was shockingly let go recently.
Tracey (played by Jane Slaughter) returned to interview for her old job in the Queen Victoria pub following some mysterious financial problems. But up against the younger and bolshy Stacey Fowler (Lacey Turner), landlord Mick Carter (Danny Dyer) chose the latter option.
Instantly taking to Twitter, fans expressed their rage at the show’s decision.
“I TURN ON EASTENDERS FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MONTHS AND MICK’S GETTING RID OF TRACEY,” one person tweeted angrily.
“How could they even think about to look for other staff than Tracey #EastEnders,” another person posted.
One fan had hoped EastEnders bosses would stay true to the previous storyline, saying: “#Eastenders Why didn’t #Mick give #Tracey her job back? FFS after all the fuss after she was sacked no one cares now?”
“Interviews for a barmaid? After they sacked Tracey cos they had no money? Scriptwriters thinking viewers have amnesia again #eastenders,” another criticised.
Other viewers simply slated the story choice, as one posted: “Bad choice should have hired Tracey #EastEnders,” while another saw the funny side: “Next nail biting storyline on #eastenders – will Tracey the barmaid get her job back? Can barely take the excitement.”
While Tracey has managed to find a job working at The Albert since she was unceremoniously let go from the Vic in upsetting scenes last month, the barmaid clearly wishes to be back on the Square where she belongs.
Tonight’s episode also saw a shock death of one beloved character.
EastEnders next continues Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One.