It was a storyline designed to hook an audience in its millions to their TV screens.
But EastEnders bosses were reportedly in a panic as the episode showing the mysterious murder of Lucy Beale, saw viewers turn off before the episode reach it's climax.
200,000 switched off just before the first image of murdered Lucy, played by actress Hetti Bywater, appeared at the end of Friday night's episode.
Who did it? The murder of Lucy Beale (played by actress Hetti Bywater) was a storyline created to hook EastEnders viewers until 2015
This sudden end to Lucy's short life wasn't well received by viewers, with the BBC1 soap's peak audience of 6.7 million falling to 6.5 million at the episodes climax, according to The Sun.
Viewers who weren't impressed with the promised 'dramatic' killing took to Twitter to complain of the 'pathetic' scenes.
Audience member Eve tweeted: 'where is this forest that has magically appeared in the middle of east london for lucy beale to die in'.
Unconvincing: The audience complained via Twitter, with some saying they thought Lucy's death should have been more graphic
Suspect? Jacqueline Jossa, who plays Lucy¿s on-screen best pal Lauren Branning, is one of the murder suspects as they have previously argued in the soap
Caught in the act: Lee and Lucy enjoy a nearly naked breakfast together, before father Ian finds out what they have been up to
Whilst Shannon Hine tweeted after the show: 'Was really looking forward to watching Lucy Beale die. Utterly disappointed'
And Mr Paul J tweeting: 'It was somewhat funny. Disappointed with the lack if gore though. She just looked as though she dicided to kip beneath the stars. #lucybeale'
EastEnders are currently going head to head with soap rival Coronation Street to win the ratings war, so they will be in prime position to take home awards at this years British Soap Awards, the TV equivalent to the Oscars.
Caught in the middle: Lauren Branning (left) is unbeknownst that best friend Lucy is having an affair with father Max (right)
'I'm proud of you': Father Ian was seen telling Lucy how proud he was of her before she mysteriously died
Friday night's episode saw Lucy, who has been a long running character in the soap since 1993, caught by her father Ian Beale (Adam Woodywatt) in a state of undress after he discovered her on the floor of his new restaurant with Danny Dyer's character, Mick Carter's son Lee.
Back at home, Ian then confronted her with the cocaine he had found hidden in her jewellery box after receiving a (not very anonymous) tip-off from her half-sister Cindy.
Finally, Lucy ended the night arguing with Max Branning, who she has been having an affair, before wandering into the night and to her death.
Lost in thought: Lucy has her mind elsewhere leading up to the moment she meets her untimely death
Speaking at the launch of the soap's latest episodes, Adam, who plays Lucy's on screen Dad revealed just how long the murder mystery is to go on for:
'Hopefully we'll do it even better, because we've got longer to tell the story. Ian's agony is to be prolonged as the kill will not be unmasked until next February - the show's 30th anniversary.'
The troublesome 20-year-old has been murdered a month before rival ITV's Coronation Street stages a bloodbath with barmaid Tina McIntyre, played by Michelle Keegan.
Just an accident? The audience sees Lucy pushed to the floor by Max Branning before her death, which makes his appear a suspicious suspect in the case
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Source : http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2609071/Murder-numbers-The-killing-Lucy-Beale-fails-captivate-EastEnders-viewers-thousands-turn-end-episode.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490
