Comedian Ben Langley received a standing ovation as he left the stage in his last-ever Norwich pantomime at Theatre Royal.
The Britain's Got Talent star, who lives in Shimpling near Diss, said he was leaving his panto days behind him after being told he will not be in the 2019 cast.
The announcement last month sparked an online petition urging theatre bosses to reconsider their decision.
Mr Langley, who starred as Wishee Washee in this year's Aladdin production, said he was 'overwhelmed' by the support he had received.
At the end of his last performance on Sunday night an audience member cried out 'we love you Ben'. He was then given a standing ovation.
Crowds also gathered outside the stage door to bid fairwell to the panto stalwart, who has performed at Theatre Royal for the past five years.
Mr Langley said: 'Tonight was electric and there was an amazing response from the crowd. They gave me a standing ovation and it was completely overwhelming.'
Confetti was thrown in the air and there was a round of applause as Mr Langley exited the stage door.
He then took time to pose with fans for photographs.
Speaking afterwards he said: 'I was overwhelmed by the support and love from the Norfolk community. 'Watch this space because there is some exciting news to come.'
Mr Langley revealed he would not be returning to next year's pantomime on Twitter in December.
Fans expressed their outrage with #BringBenBack and #SaveBenLangley hashtags started on Twitter and some audience members watching the show even held up posters in support of Ben.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here