The murders of Walford's Heather Trott and Weatherfield's Frank Foster sparked huge storylines in the early months of the year, while more recently, Cameron Murray killing Carl King in Emmerdale Live has also had big repercussions.
Hollyoaks, meanwhile, pulled off a number of top-secret exits as Lynsey Nolan, Rhys Ashworth and sixth formers Maddie, Jono and Neil were all killed off in story twists which had been kept under wraps.
In the picture gallery below, Digital Spy takes a look back at some of 2012's soap exits.
EastEnders said goodbye to one of its most legendary characters on New Year's Day as Pat Butcher passed away from cancer.
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Copyright: BBC
