AN EastEnders legend is facing the sack after 40 years – amid strong backlash from fans.

Tracey the Barmaid – played by Jane Slaughter – has been a staple of the BBC soap from the very beginning.

Although a background character with rare speaking lines, she has become a beloved fixture in Albert Square.

With Kat and Alfie back running The Queen Vic, talk turned to personnel changes in the pub.

Kat’s nephew Freddie is angling for a job – and said he could be paid half of what Tracey’s making.

The couple initially weren’t sold on letting Tracey go, but seemed to be won around.

Over on social media, viewers were far from impressed by thought of Tracey being ousted from the pub.

One fan wrote on X: “Like the ravens in the Tower, if Tracey leaves the Vic, Albert Square falls.”

Another commented: “Why do they do this ‘sack Tracey’ stuff almost everytime the pub changes owners.”

A third added: “I see the usual ‘let go of Tracey’ story when new owners come in has begun.”

While a fourth remarked: “Why is it everytime someone new takes over the Vic they get rid of Tracey???

“Enough already. F**k sakes!!!”

Tracey is the longest-serving character – the only one to appear from the first episode without leaving.

Viewers learned in a surprising twist last year that Tracey has a secret son.

In an Instagram video shared by EastEnders, actress Jane said: “Tracey has a son. Some of you may remember. Some of you may not know.”

Meanwhile, fans begged bosses to give Tracey her own storyline in Walford.

One wrote: “Tracey has always been lovely.

“Give her more lines for better yet, her own story. It’s the last she deserves!

“I also hope she’s paid well as the others are! Loyalty should be rewarded.”

Another added: “She needs a storyline.”

EastEnders airs on BBC One and iPlayer.