EastEnders businesswoman Sharon Rickman will be left fighting for her life in a major new storyline next month.

Sharon, played by Letitia Dean, will be rushed to hospital after being targeted by a mystery mugger while closing up her bar for the night, according to The Sun today (May 21).

The Walford favourite is hit over the head and left for dead by the unknown assailant, but her barman Johnny Carter (Sam Strike) springs into action by calling an ambulance when he finds her unconscious.

An EastEnders insider also told Digital Spy that the attack will spark a big new storyline for Sharon and her partner Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden).

Phil will be left devastated as Sharon's life hangs in the balance and keeps a bedside vigil as he desperately hopes that she will pull through. The story will also feature some unexpected twists and turns which will surprise fans in the aftermath.

Regular viewers know that Lucy Beale (Hetti Bywater) recently lost her life after being targeted by an unknown culprit. However, show bosses are keeping tight-lipped over whether Sharon's incident is connected or part of a different storyline entirely.