EastEnders viewers have praised Sonia Fowler’s emotional farewell but claimed the BBC soap missed a key detail in the character’s final storyline—one that long-time fans say should not have been overlooked.
Sonia Fowler, played by Natalie Cassidy, departed Albert Square this week after more than 30 years of appearances on and off the show, first joining in 1993. Her exit came alongside her on-screen sister Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer), and daughters Bex (Jasmine Armfield) and Julia, following a dramatic showdown involving her estranged father Terry Cant (Glen Davies).
Terry’s sudden arrival in Walford led to a whirlwind chain of events, culminating in a violent attack on Bianca and a daring escape involving a stolen boat, plane tickets and car. The women’s final scene saw Sonia hop aboard the boat as it was towed away from Albert Square—trumpet in hand, in a nod to her younger years.
A Poignant Goodbye—But One Link Missing
Before her departure, Sonia visited the grave of ex-husband Martin Fowler (James Bye), who recently died from a cardiac arrest following a tragic accident at the Queen Vic during the soap’s explosive 40th anniversary live episode.
Yet despite a heartfelt farewell, fans were quick to point out the absence of any scenes with Phil or Billy Mitchell, two characters forever linked to Sonia through her relationship with Jamie Mitchell (Jack Ryder). Jamie, Phil’s godson, was Sonia’s first love—and was tragically killed in 2002 after being run over by a then-teenaged Martin Fowler.
Fans React: “They’re Bonded for Life”
On social media platform X, viewers expressed disappointment over the missing nod to Sonia’s long-standing connection to the Mitchell family.
“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,” one user wrote.
Another added: “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.”
A third fan lamented: “Phil and Sonia have barely shared any scenes in the last 10-12 years, which I’ve never liked due to their history. Even when Phil thanked Sonia for saving Ben, they acted like strangers. Very disappointing there was no goodbye.”
A final post summed up the sentiment: “So glad we got the Jamie mention—but agree. What they all went through when they lost him bonds them for life.”
Natalie Cassidy’s Exit After 32 Years
Natalie Cassidy’s final scenes mark the end of a significant era for the long-running soap. Sonia Fowler has been a staple character in some of EastEnders’ most emotional storylines, from teen pregnancy and family tragedy, to nursing and mental health.
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While Sonia’s dramatic exit had fans applauding her storyline’s closure, many are still hoping the show will revisit her connection to the Mitchells—perhaps in a future return.
As one fan put it: “Sonia, Phil, and Billy will always be tied together through Jamie. EastEnders missed a real moment.”
