Zoe Ventura's shock exit from Rafters

In last night's episode of the hit TV show, the Packed to the Rafters cast attended the funeral of Mel Rafter, who died in a car crash last week. Both episodes attracted audiences of over two million viewers.

Hugh Sheridan - the actor who plays Mel's TV husband Ben Rafter - says many fans were shattered by the death of one of their favourite characters.

'Just after the accident, a whole lot of furious tweets came through (to me) saying: "That was awful, how could they do that?"'

While Aussie audiences have been left reeling by Mel Rafter's shock death, Zoe Ventoura is equally heartbroken about leaving the show.

In this week's issue of New Idea magazine, the actress opens up about her exit from the number one drama show. Zoe shares her reasons for not only leaving Rafters but also her partner of two years TV vet Dr Chris Brown.

‘There have been a lot of tears shed. It was a very emotional time,’ Zoe admits to New Idea. ‘He’s been very, very supportive, considering I’m this far away. And thank God for Skype!’

Check out pics of Zoe Ventoura and her Rafter's castmates