“Shortland Street” fans are mourning the death of one of their favourite characters. The Kiwi soap opera shocked its viewers after Dr Sarah Potts (Amanda Billing) died from a virus on Monday.

Sarah first appeared on the show in September 2004. She arrived as a love interest for Craig Valentine (Renato Bartolomei), but was given a more compelling storyline after it was revealed that her younger brother was in fact her son. Her eventual romance with TK Samuels (Benjamin Mitchell) was one of the most popular pairings in the show.

She was written off in late 2010, but returned after a few months.

On Monday, less than a month before her 10th anniversary in the show, Sarah met her untimely demise.

Sarah learnt that she was infected by the deadly virus that has been plaguing the hospital when she was cut by a contaminated syringe. She locked herself in the lab to find a cure, and although she was successful in doing so, it was too late for her.

She admitted to TK that her Multiple Sclerosis has returned, which has compromised her immunity from the virus. Although TK was reluctant to allow Sarah to work while she herself was in danger of succumbing to the virus, he allowed her until he couldn’t wait for her to get treatment anymore. She collapsed just as he barged into the lab.

He was by her side when Sarah’s conditioned worsened and had gone into cardiac arrest. TK was devastated when she couldn’t be revived anymore.

Tributes from devastated fans on social media have poured in after the heartbreaking episode aired.

#RIPSarahPotts best actor ever I love you @ShortlandTweet

— Justine Essenberg (@Justine_L_E) August 19, 2014

I SO can't wait to watch #ShortlandStreet tonight. No doubt I'll be a be a bit teary. Cannot believe Sarah died ! #RIPSarahPotts — ★Walker Mons†er ★ (@iStan4LadyGaga) August 19, 2014

T.K. is about to go into a deep, deep workout hole that, once complete, he will be too big to fit back out of. #RIPSarahPotts

— Clint Roberts (@kiaoraclint) August 18, 2014

My mind is numb what with all that's been happening today and only 33 days out from #elections2014. Now Sarah Potts dies?! #RIPSarahpotts — Aziz Al-Sa'afin (@Azizle) August 18, 2014

I'm not gonna lie I teared up a bit over Sarah's death, one of the best characters the show has ever had :( #RipSarahPotts

— Lewis Howell (@LewyHowell) August 18, 2014

Some joked about avoiding being TK’s wife, referring to his first wife Roimata Ngatai who also died in the 2013 Christmas cliffhanger episode. There were also those who made light of the situation, saying people are going to be shocked when they see Billing alive in real life.

TK should marry Harry, then maybe he will die #RIPSarahPotts — Jess Loh (@JessLoh_) August 19, 2014

What I have realised from #ShortlandStreet is to not marry TK... #RIPSarahPotts

— Nirvana Payn (@NirvanaPayn) August 19, 2014

TK is full of bad luck @ShortlandTweet dont be stupid to marry him or u just might end up like his wives..lol.. #RIPSarahPotts — Ah Mini Tudrau (@ah_mini) August 19, 2014

Reading the #RIPsarahpotts comments and am genuinely concerned people may get a shock when they see an alive Amanda Billing in the streets

— Chris Henry (@chrishenrynz) August 18, 2014