Pregnant Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy) is caught up in a living nightmare in EastEnders’ 40th anniversary episodes next week, when she goes into labour in the middle of a disaster zone.
The beloved character, who is set to leave the BBC soap, is just one of the many Walford residents who become trapped after the Queen Vic pub explodes in hell-raising scenes.
The devastating blast takes place during Honey and Billy Mitchell’s (Emma Barton and Perry Fenwick) wedding, ripping through the iconic boozer and leaving several lives in d.e.a.d.l.y danger.
Prior to the explosion, Sonia’s killer fiancé Reiss Colwell (Jonny Freeman) makes a terrifying return to the Square, having been on the run after Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer) exposed his murderous secret.
A showdown between him and Bianca then collides with another big confrontation happening elsewhere on the Square, causing the Vic to burst into flames.
After surviving the initial blast, Sonia is horrified when her waters break and she goes into labour during the soap’s nail-biting live episode next Thursday.
With no medical support on hand and only two traumatised people with her, Sonia will face an agonising fight to bring her baby into the world safely.
Outside, a desperate rescue mission is underway to free Sonia and everyone else caught up in the debris and destruction – but parts of the Vic teeter on the edge of collapse, posing a further danger.
And with Sonia’s time in Albert Square ticking down by the minute, could one of EastEnders’ most iconic characters ever not make it out alive?
‘It’s going to be full on!’ Emma Barton, who plays Honey, says of the episodes. ‘Dramatic, beautiful and sad. It’s a week of episodes not to be missed.’
Actress Natalie Cassidy announced her exit from the BBC soap last month, nearly 32 years on from her debut as Sonia.
She said in a statement: ‘After another 11 solid years back on The Square, I have decided it’s time to move on to pastures new. EastEnders is in my bones so I will never forget where I started my career and I will continue to love the show.’
EastEnders 40th anniversary week begins on Monday 17 February on BBC One and iPlayer.
