EastEnders k.i.l.l.i.n.g Sonia Fowler on anniversary would be one of the boldest moves in soap history – should bosses do it?
Natalie Cassidy is leaving the soap after 32 years on screen
IF THERE is one thing that is guaranteed on the anniversary episode of EastEnders, it’s high drama.
As the soap celebrates 40 years on BBC screens with a special live episode and a blaze in The Queen Vic, viewers are wondering what will happen.
Natalie Cassidy, 41, previously announced that she would be leaving EastEnders after three decades in Albert Square.
However, she stated that it was not her choice in the way Sonia leaves.
Ever since the decision was announced, fans have been wondering whether producers would really k.i.l.l off such a legendary character.
What would such a move look like? Our writers battle it out here!
K.i.l.l.i.n.g Ar Sonia would be a bad idea
By Joshua Rom
It’s fair to say that when it comes to the soap war, EastEnders is winning at the moment.
With multiple gripping storylines, live elements, stunts, pregnancies, both an attacker and a murderer on the loose, they are absolutely k.i.l.l.i.n.g it.
But I don’t want the producers to become k.i.l.l.e.r.s, which I think they might possibly be.
If Reiss d.i.e.s, it will be a satisfying end to what has been a horrendously brilliant and gripping plot point.
There are rumours that Martin Fowler might get k.i.l.l.e.d off after James Bye got rid of any mention of EastEnders from his social media bios.
That would be bad, but the worst mistake producers could make would be to k.i.l.l off our favourite bisexual trumpet playing gal pal.
As a character, Sonia is simply an institution. The way she looks, the way she sounds, she is just so quintessentially EastEnders.
If she was allowed to grow old, I have no doubt that she would become a glorious London matriarch like we have seen before with Peggy, Pat, Angie and Dot.
Over the 32 (mostly) glorious years, she has helped to build the soap into what we see today.
She has had gritty and serious moments, but she has also made us laugh on many occasions.
Quite simply, the soap would not be the same without her. So if you can give her the option to return one day, why risk that?
But there is something else. Coronation Street is really struggling at the moment as both the audience and the cast look elsewhere.
It’s moments like the random k.i.l.l.i.n.g of Les Battersby off-screen that solidify the mistakes in the minds of viewers at home.
As a character, Sonia is simply an institution
One might think that it shows that the lack of respect the writers and producers have for the legacy of the show.
K.i.l.l.i.n.g Sonia off on the live anniversary episode might be a good idea when it comes to spectacle and shock value.
However, when it comes to the long-term future of the soap, I might think again.
I want to see at least another 40 years of EastEnders on my screen, and a vital part of that is honouring the legacy that came before.
I don’t want to see Sonia’s d.e.a.t.h become just a headline in the Walford Gazette to be thrown away the next day.
K.i.l.l.i.n.g off an iconic and long-running character like Sonia, a role that still has potential, would be a big mistake.
K.i.l.l.i.n.g Sonia would be a great idea
by Caron McKinlay
I hear you Joshua but totally disagree, except with your opinion of wanting to see at least another 40 years of EastEnders on my screen!
As you say, just as Honey and Billy Mitchell are celebrating their wedding, a blast at the Vic will leave at least one character confirmed to d.i.e in the disaster.
The latest rumours flying around social media about who that might be include long term established characters Martin Fowler, Cindy Beale, Stacey Slater and Sonia Fowler.
The best choice the producers could make out of that list – would be the boring and sanctimonious Sonia.
No discredit to Natalie, who is a talented actor, who I hope goes on to bigger and better things.
Sonia is an annoying yawn fest now
Sonia grimaces around the square with her holier than thou attitude yet she is no saint.
Let’s remember she was in cahoots with Reiss stealing from his comatose wife and before that she even stole from the beloved Dot Cotton!
Believe me, this new Sonia would sell your Granny if there was something in it for her.
But the writers have done her a huge disservice by turning her once lovable character into an annoying yawn fest.
Yet she’s so often nasty to other characters who she thinks are doing wrong and argues with them in such a sanctimonious way.
Would you want to live on the same street as Sonia? Someone who’s constantly watching everyone and poking their nose in.
She’s into everyone’s business like she’s some great saviour who knows the answer to everyone’s problems especially if it’s a medical issue – Nurse Sonia will come to the rescue!
And if she was allowed to grow old, she would never become a glorious matriarch like we have seen before with Lou, Pauline and Dot.
She’s too dull, humourless and condescending for that.
Instead, we already have Eastenders’ women stepping up to the role in the form of the formidable Suki Panesar, unlucky in love Stacey Slater and of course survivor Cindy Beale.
So Sonia can take her trumpet and her whinging off to pastures new but the writers should be ashamed of what they’ve turned her character into over the years.
However, for the show to k.i.l.l a main character, someone as iconic as Sonia – it would be such a brave and bold move.
And certainly not a disappointment unlike other big ticket episodes gone by in Soapland when it’s a more minor character who perishes as bosses aren’t brave enough to k.i.l.l off a big name.
Sometimes, just sometimes, we have to let go of the past to move on to bigger and brighter things.
