As EastEnders gears up for its milestone 40th anniversary, speculation is running wild about the potential departure of one of its most iconic characters, Sonia Fowler. With a special live episode and a dramatic fire at The Queen Vic on the horizon, fans are wondering whether the long-running BBC soap will take the drastic step of killing off Sonia for good.
Natalie Cassidy, who has played Sonia for three decades, recently confirmed that she would be leaving Albert Square. However, she revealed that the way her character exits is not up to her, leaving fans to speculate about a shocking demise. Could Sonia be the one to meet her end in the explosive anniversary episode? And if so, would this be a smart decision or a major mistake? 
Why Killing Sonia Would Be a Huge Loss
Many believe that EastEnders should not take the drastic step of killing off Sonia. Over the years, Sonia has become an integral part of Walford, shaping the soap’s history with emotional storylines, humor, and resilience. From her teenage pregnancy to her relationships and her role as a nurse, Sonia has always been at the heart of the community.
Characters like Peggy Mitchell, Dot Cotton, and Pat Butcher all evolved into matriarchs of Albert Square, and fans believe Sonia could follow in their footsteps. If given the chance, she could continue to be a key part of the soap’s future. Killing her off would remove a vital link to the past and rob future storylines of her presence.
Furthermore, the decision to kill Sonia could be viewed as a desperate attempt to create shock value rather than meaningful storytelling. Fans still remember how Coronation Street faced backlash for abruptly killing off Les Battersby off-screen. Would EastEnders risk making a similar mistake with Sonia?
Why Killing Sonia Might Be a Good Idea
On the other hand, some argue that Sonia’s character has grown stale and that her departure would make way for fresh storylines. Over the years, her personality has shifted, with some fans feeling she has become more judgmental and self-righteous. Recent storylines have painted her as a busybody, constantly meddling in others’ affairs, and some believe it might be time for her to bow out in a dramatic fashion.
If Sonia were to die in the 40th-anniversary special, it would be a bold move that cements the occasion as one of the most memorable moments in soap history. Big events in soaps often lack true stakes when minor characters are written out instead of fan favorites. Killing off Sonia would show that EastEnders is willing to take risks and push storytelling boundaries.
Clues That Sonia Could Be Killed Off
Recent events in EastEnders have fueled speculation that Sonia’s days are numbered. In a shocking twist, Sonia was last seen inside The Queen Vic just as her criminal boyfriend, Reiss, inadvertently crashed into the pub, sparking a massive gas explosion. The aftermath left Walford residents in chaos, with fans fearing Sonia may not make it out alive.
Adding to the rumors, Natalie Cassidy has spoken cryptically about her departure. During a recent interview, she admitted she had no control over how her character would exit, hinting at a tragic fate. Fans have taken her words as confirmation that Sonia may not survive the anniversary special.
What’s Next for Natalie Cassidy?
While her time on EastEnders may be coming to an end, Natalie Cassidy’s career is far from over. Industry insiders predict she will follow in the footsteps of Stacey Solomon, branching out into entertainment television. After recently appearing on The Masked Singer, speculation is high that she could be heading for I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! or even landing high-profile presenting roles.
Regardless of how Sonia exits, her departure will mark the end of an era for EastEnders. The question remains: should the soap give Sonia a tragic ending, or should they leave the door open for a future return? Only time will tell if this decision will be remembered as a bold triumph or a regrettable mistake.
