EastEnders delivered one of its most shocking moments yet tonight when notorious villain Okie was killed in a bloody knife fight. The shocking scenes take place in Kojo Asare’s flat, where the vulnerable character – who has autism – has been exploited for weeks.

Okie and his accomplice, Ravi Gulati, had taken over Kojo’s home as part of a “cuckooing” scheme, using it to deal drugs and control him. Last week, Harry and Kojo finally broke free from Okie’s web of manipulation, when Kojo seized an opportunity to escape and inform his brother, George, and Harry’s dad, Teddy.

In Tuesday’s episode of the BBC One soap, the pair find themselves face-to-face with Okie after they revealed their plight to the police, and after an argument breaks out about the extent of information they have both given to the police, Harry accidentally fatally stabs Okie as he attempts to protect himself.

Following the shocking death, Harry’s father Teddy arrives to find the aftermath. Realising what had happened, he decides to take the blame for his son. Teddy is arrested and seen being driven away in a police car.

The dramatic showdown marked the end of the long-running cuckooing storyline, revealing the chilling reality of criminals taking over vulnerable people’s homes. Fans were quick to react online. One tweeted: “Okie is dead wtf.”

Another blasted the storyline, saying: “The drug storyline is TERRIBLE. I’ve never seen such an easy storyline be portrayed so badly. How is Okie managing to corner these man in the flat TIME AND TIME AGAIN.”

A third fan shared relief for Kojo: “man okie’s death is kind of f—ing me up but i’m so glad kojo is SAFE.”

Another reacted in disbelief: “HARRY HAS KILLED OKIE!!” And one more criticised the show’s handling of the character: “They could’ve explored Okie’s background. #EastEnders.”

Speaking about the storyline, executive producer Ben Wadey said: “At EastEnders, we’re proud to tell stories that reflect the real challenges people face, and Kojo’s cuckooing storyline is one that feels especially important. Cuckooing is a form of exploitation that too often goes unseen and hasn’t featured on EastEnders before.

“Through Kojo’s experience we hope to have shined a light on how easily vulnerable people can be manipulated and isolated – something that can happen in any community, but feels particularly resonant in a city like London, where people live side by side and yet can still slip through the cracks.

“Working closely with experts and charities, our aim has been to tell this story with care and authenticity, and to raise awareness as to how to identify the signs of exploitation and the importance of reaching out for help.”