EastEnders fans fume as they point out ‘missing detail’ in Sonia Fowler’s exit from BBC soap
EASTENDERS viewers were left fuming after spotting a notable omission from Sonia Fowler’s exit.
The beloved character – played by Natalie Cassidy – bowed out of the BBC soap in emotional scenes.
She left Walford alongside sister Bianca (Patsy Palmer), as well as daughters Bex (Jasmine Armfield) and Julia.
While several residents saw them off, Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) and Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick) were nowhere to be seen.
Long-time viewers know of Sonia’s connection to the Mitchells, through her relationship with Jamie (Jack Ryder).
Back in 2002, the young man tragically died after being accidentally run over by Martin Fowler (then played by James Alexandrou).
Taking to X, a viewer wrote: “tbh my only complaint of Sonia’s last episode was no Phil or Billy goodbyes.
“Like HELLLLLO!? the three of them are forever linked because of Jamie #Eastenders.”
Another agreed, penning: “This is a good point. Phil and Sonia’s relationship is one of my favourite dynamics of the entire series, so it’s a shame they weren’t given a goodbye scene. #EastEnders.”
A third remarked: “It’s a shame no Phil Sonia goodbye scene #Eastenders @bbceastenders.”
While a fourth chimed in: “Incredibly heartwarming send off for Sonia even if the fast pace nearly dismantles it. Hearing Dot again was a nice touch.
“I wish her and Phil had one last conversation but alas, I digress. #EastEnders.”
Sonia’s final few episodes included the unexpected arrival of Terry Cant (Glen Davies), her biological father.
Wanting to catch up for lost time, Terry offered to bring Sonia, Bex and Julia back to Bali with him.
Her estranged dad ultimately revealed his true colours by hurting Bianca in a violent attack.
After turning the tables on him, the women stole Terry’s plane tickets, car and boat.
Sonia’s final episode included a poignant vocal cameo from Dot Cotton (June Brown) – a grandmother figure in Sonia’s life.
Brian Conley also made a surprise cameo as Tom “Rocky” Cotton – who had pretended to be Terry Cant when he first debuted.
The Sun revealed how soap bosses went to great lengths in order to keep the comedian’s show comeback under wraps.
Sonia Fowler’s biggest EastEnders storylines
Sonia Fowler has featured in EastEnders since 1993, and after starring in thousands of episodes, has been featured in storylines ranging from teenage pregnancy to a cancer scare. Here are some of her biggest.
- Teen Pregnancy and Birth of Chloe Jackson (1999-2000)
Sonia discovered she was pregnant at the age of 15. Viewers were shocked by the sudden birth, as the teen went into labour without even realising she was pregnant. Martin Fowler turned out to be Chloe’s father. Sonia initially decided to give the girl up for adoption. - Death of her boyfriend (2002)
Sonia’s boyfriend, Jamie Mitchell, was hit by a car driven by her baby’s father. Jamie had just bought an engagement ring for his girlfriend before being struck down by the thoughtless Martin, who was texting while driving. Although the Jamie was rushed to hospital, docs said his liver was irreparably damaged, and he ended up dying with Sonia by his side. - Marriage to Martin Fowler and Family Tensions (2004-2007)
In a shock twist Sonia went on to marry the man responsible for her previous boyfriend’s death. Their relationship was marred by conflicts and infidelity, and they went on to split up after just three years. At one point in their marriage Sonia was taken hostage by Sarah Cairns, who became obsessed with Martin after he flirted with her during a drunken night out. The couple went through struggles again when the adoptive parents of their daughter were killed in a car crash, leaving them responsible for Rebecca. Because of the tension in their relationship Sonia ended up cheating on her husband with one of her co-workers, nurse Naomi Julien. - Custody Battle for Rebecca (2005-2007)
Baby Chloe, who was renamed Rebecca, was kidnapped by her mum early in life before being returned to her adoptive parents. After Neil and Sue Miller died they awarded Martin full custody of the child because of Sonia’s extra-marital affair. The mum was left distraught to be cut out of her daughter’s life. - Gastric Band Surgery and Weight Struggles (2014-2015)
Sonia became insecure about her weight and arranged to have a secret gastric band surgery in Bulgaria. She later collapsed at an exercise class after suffering complications from the operation. - Discovery of Bex’s Suicide Attempt (2019)
Sonia’s daughter Rebecca tried to take her own life in a heartbreaking storyline which left viewers in tears. She found Bex unconscious after taking an overdose, and was devastated. Sonia blamed herself for pushing her daughter to breaking point, as she had tried to force her into going to Oxford despite Bex saying she didn’t feel ready for university.
A source said: “Bosses took all the measures to make sure Brian’s return was kept top secret.
“He snuck into Elstree to film his scenes quietly. It’s rare that things don’t leak but in this case it was a great success and a treat for fans.
“It’s a great send off for Sonia too reuniting with Rocky with the real Terry being such a disappointment.”
EastEnders airs on BBC One and iPlayer.