There are certain characters in soap history whose departures feel less like a scripted farewell and more like the end of an era. Sonia Fowler, portrayed with unwavering emotional honesty by Natalie Cassidy since 1993, was one such character. And while EastEnders delivered a send-off packed with humor, heart, and a few nostalgic surprises, there remains a lingering ache among fans—a feeling that something so monumental deserved more gravity, more build-up, and more reverence.

Because Sonia wasn’t just another character. She was a symbol of resilience, a quiet cornerstone of Albert Square whose life reflected the highs and heartbreaks of real working-class British women. From her teenage pregnancy and turbulent relationships to the loss of loved ones and the struggles of identity and belonging, Sonia’s journey has been a tapestry of relatable messiness and hard-won strength. And Natalie Cassidy brought her to life with a rawness and charm that turned even the most minor scenes into moments of truth.

So when Sonia left Walford this past week—sailing off to Bali with her daughter Beex, granddaughter Julia, and sister Bianca—it was meant to be a celebration of a beloved character’s hard-earned happiness. And on the surface, it was. But dig deeper, and the cracks begin to show.

A Send-Off Brimming with Love… and Rushed Decisions

The episode itself carried the signature EastEnders blend of poignant emotion and chaotic comedy. After enduring a near-death experience during the horrific train crash, which claimed the lives of both Martin Fowler and Reiss Colwell, Sonia found herself at a crossroads. In true soap fashion, salvation came in an unexpected package—her estranged biological father, Terry, who showed up out of nowhere with a wild offer: a new life in Bali.

The premise alone sparked skepticism among fans. Terry, having only just reappeared, offered Sonia and her family an escape that felt less like character-driven progression and more like a narrative shortcut. Given Sonia’s deep roots in Walford, the suddenness of her decision to leave stretched plausibility. Where was the time to reflect? To mourn? To process the trauma she’d just endured? The emotional weight of losing Martin—her on-again, off-again love—and Reiss, who had held her hostage in a twisted final act, was never fully explored. Instead, Sonia packed her bags within days.

Bianca’s Return Adds Spark—But Where Was Carol?

The unexpected return of Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer) brought a much-needed jolt of energy. Their chemistry—sisterly, chaotic, hilarious—reminded viewers just how electric the Jackson-Fowler family dynamic can be. The two shared a series of heartfelt and hilarious moments, from Bianca’s iconic one-liners to Sonia brandishing her ever-present trumpet, a nostalgic nod to her teenage years.

Yet, fans couldn’t ignore the glaring absence of Carol Jackson (Lindsey Coulson). For a character so central to Sonia’s upbringing, and someone whose presence would’ve deepened the emotional resonance of the send-off, her omission was baffling. It’s these missing pieces that turned what could’ve been a legendary exit into a merely satisfying one.

Dot’s Voice Echoes, But Phil and Billy’s Silence Rings Louder

One of the most touching moments came in the form of Dot Cotton’s voice (courtesy of the late, great June Brown), offering her posthumous blessing for Sonia to move forward. It was a poetic touch, honoring the deep bond between Dot and Sonia—a relationship that served as a moral compass in Sonia’s life for decades.

But that emotional win was undercut by the absence of another vital connection: the Mitchells. Sonia’s ties to Phil and Billy Mitchell—rooted in the tragic death of her fiancé Jamie Mitchell—run deep. Fans took to social media in droves to voice their disappointment over the lack of a farewell scene between Sonia and Phil, who, like Dot, had been a paternal figure of sorts after Jamie’s death. The silence was deafening, especially in a week meant to celebrate Sonia’s history.

A Welcome Return: Rocky’s Redemption

One bright spot was the surprise appearance of Brian Conley as Rocky Cotton. Once posing as Sonia’s father, Rocky’s brief reunion with her added emotional complexity and redemption to a relationship fraught with betrayal. Their interaction felt authentic, bittersweet, and a fitting way to tie off a messy chapter of Sonia’s life. The fact that EastEnders managed to keep his return under wraps only made the moment more special for longtime fans.

The Real Villain: Terry’s Twisted Truth

In a disturbing twist, Terry’s façade as the doting father quickly crumbled. When he lashed out violently, attacking Bianca in a moment of rage, the mask slipped and Sonia saw him for who he truly was. What followed was a gratifying moment of poetic justice: Sonia, Bianca, and Beex turned the tables, stealing Terry’s car, boat, and even his plane tickets to Bali.

This empowering moment of revenge carried strong emotional payoff. It reminded viewers that while Sonia had been a victim of manipulation and control in recent years—especially with Reiss—she was far from weak. Her ability to protect her family and claim her future echoed the strength she’s shown time and time again.

Fans Speak Out: Love, Laughter, and Longing

Social media was ablaze following the episode, with reactions ranging from tearful appreciation to pointed criticism. Many praised the humor and nostalgia, calling it “a perfect send-off” and “a much-needed happy ending.” Others lamented the missed opportunities—Carol’s absence, the lack of a scene with Phil, and the rushed pacing of Sonia’s exit arc.

But across the board, one sentiment reigned supreme: Natalie Cassidy deserved more. Not just as Sonia, but as an actress who poured her heart and soul into a role that mirrored the complexities of real life. She brought compassion to heartbreak, levity to tragedy, and always, always stayed true to Sonia’s essence.

What’s Next for Walford—and the Void Sonia Leaves Behind

With Sonia gone, the question now turns to how EastEnders will fill the vacuum left by one of its emotional anchors. The show continues to build suspense with new plots—Nicola Mitchell’s dark secret involving a buried body, Nigel’s emotional spiral following his dementia diagnosis, and the chaos unfolding around Paradise Park. These stories are rich with potential, but will they carry the same heart that Sonia provided for over three decades?

Only time will tell. But for now, fans can take comfort in knowing that Sonia’s final moments—imperfect though they were—were filled with love, laughter, and a sense of hope. And maybe, just maybe, paradise won’t keep her forever.

Because if there’s one thing EastEnders has taught us, it’s that no one ever really leaves Walford for good.