AN EastEnders legend revealed a big scene was cut from their soap exit – after fans lashed out.
Viewers are often vocal online with their opinions about the long-running BBC show.
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Earlier this month, Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy) once again left Walford behind.
Speaking on the Off The Telly podcast – which she hosts with Joanna Page – Natalie revealed a major moment was axed from her on-screen exit.
The actress shared: “I felt quite emotional but d’you know what? Maybe I’ve missed it because I wasn’t watching it properly, but I feel like they cut out the scene, which was my favourite scene.
“It was Sonia and Phil, and me and Phil just having a moment in the Square. I didn’t see it.
“I might have to go back and have a look. I’d be really cross [if it was cut] because it was a really nice scene.”
The 41-year-old added she was happy overall with Sonia’s departure – which included a speedboat and the character’s iconic trumpet.
Natalie said: “I’ve had loads of DMs and messages and stuff just saying how people have shed a tear, but a happy tear.
“It was nice and joyful, it wasn’t sort of depressing, and [I] didn’t leave in a black cab, it was just fun.”
It comes as fans had been bitterly disappointed over Sonia not having a farewell scene with Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) or Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick).
They highlighted the trio’s connection through Sonia’s ex-boyfriend Jamie Mitchell (Jack Ryder) – who was tragically killed in 2002.
Phil was Jamie’s cousin and godfather, while Billy was the young man’s uncle.
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.”
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 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.”
EastEnders continues on BBC One and iPlayer.
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