Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy) and Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer) face fresh horror in EastEnders next week, when floods of true-crime tourists invade Albert Square.
The pair have had a turbulent year – that will ultimately lead to Sonia contemplating leaving the area next week.
Having spent time in prison for a murder she didn’t commit, it’s no surprise that she’s ready to turn her back.
As viewers will recall, it was actually her then-fiancé Reiss Colwell (Jonny Freeman) who had committed the crime, but allowed his pregnant wife to be put behind bars.
When his secret was exposed to Bianca, he lured her to a storage lock-up and held her hostage for months.
Just when they thought their ordeal was finally over, he went on the run and subsequently crashed his car into The Queen Vic pub, causing a catastrophic explosion.
Not only did it claim his life, but also that of Sonia’s first husband Martin Fowler (James Bye). Just moments later, she went into labour with daughter Julia.
As we’ve seen recently, a journalist has preyed on Bianca’s vulnerabilities and approached her to record a tell-all interview about her turmoil at the hands of Reiss.
This week, she pleaded with her not to release the chat on her crime podcast, fearing that it may destroy Sonia – who was firmly against the idea.
Unfortunately, the episode was already dropped and Freddie Slater (Bobby Brazier) had found clips of her all over social media.
With nowhere left to turn, she decided that it was time to tell Sonia. Finding her drunk after Martin’s wake, she stole her phone and attempted to delete all evidence of the podcast that had been sent to her.
Before she had a chance to properly come clean, Kim Fox (Tameka Empson) did the job for her.
Their relationship was torn apart, with Sonia finding her actions unforgivable.
In upcoming scenes, she’s terrified to look outside of her window and notice a number of true-crime fans that have came to her house to see where Reiss lived – having been invited by Kim and Mo Harris (Laila Harris), who are cashing in on her misfortune.
As Sonia tears strips off Bianca to daughter Bex (Jasmine Armfield), neither of the women are aware that one of the tourists is fixated on their home.
Bianca, who has been staying with pals Kat (Jessie Wallace) and Alfie (Shane Richie) returns to face the music, but Sonia doesn’t want to hear from her.
After much persuasion from Bex, she agrees to try and make amends – and can’t act quick enough, as she spots Bianca suffering a panic attack after being accosted by the strangers.
The sisters try and come to terms with what is happening over a drink, but are spooked when they notice the same strange man from earlier looking over at then.
Bianca charges towards him… and his identity is confirmed. Later, he returns to Sonia’s home and demands to speak with her.
More truths come to light, with Bianca doing her upmost to support Sonia, but she orders her and Bex out. After heading to Harry’s Barn, they bump into Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) and tell him about what has happened.
Later, Jack does his best to help and offers his take on the situation.
During their conversation, Sonia ponders over a huge decision that could change her life forever – leaving.
Bianca is distraught with the idea, and uses Kat and Freddie as a shoulder to cry on, whilst Sonia comforts a broken Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner), who isn’t coping after Martin’s funeral.
It really is the end of an era!
