Disbelief, shock on social media as Brexit is confirmed

The campaigns were hard fought and the debates, intense. And now, with more than 33 million votes cast, the United Kingdom has decided to leave the European Union.

Social media has been flooded with reactions from both sides of the so-called Brexit, with expressions of jubilation and dismay at the results of the referendum.

The hashtag #brexit has dominated the Twittersphere and has been shared over 1.8 million times since voting started in the UK Thursday. Celebrities have come out in force to express their emotions, including actress Lindsay Lohan, who ran a live commentary of the referendum results.

On Facebook, Fearne Cotton shared a stark picture which captures the fallen hopes of millions who voted to remain in the EU.

And one of Britain’s best-loved designers Vivienne Westwood, predicts a bleak outlook for her fellow countrymen.

It’s a sentiment that is echoed in Bianca Jagger’s comment, she expresses her upset at UK Prime Minister David Cameron’s impending departure.

“Big Bang Theory” actor Kunal Nayyar believes that the younger generation will feel the consequences of the referendum result.

“Harry Potter” author J.K. Rowling, who had been a strong supporter of the “Remain” campaign, made her feelings clear on Twitter.

Piers Morgan, a former CNN anchor and host of “Good Morning Britain,” said it was one of the biggest moments in British history.

Brendan Cox, the widower of murdered politician Jo Cox, said his late wife would have remained optimistic and focused on what she could do to bring the country together.

European Parliament member Viviane Reding tweeted in no uncertain terms that the EU would move forward without Britain.

Geert Wilders, politician and founder of the Dutch Party for Freedom in the Netherlands, said it was now time for a Dutch referendum, while Marine Le Pen, the leader of France’s National Front party, said it was necessary to call a similar vote in France and every EU country.

Others debated whether the referendum was legally binding. British actor Hugh Laurie asked if it could be the “best of three?”

Outside the UK, many saw at least one silver lining – with the pound now at its lowest level in 31 years, trips to the country look a lot cheaper.

That’s if the currency is acceptable in the country you want to use it in, as holidaymaker Mat Rooney discovered.

Some commenters within the UK simply decided to craft their very own exit plan.