After over three decades of laughter, heartbreak, and iconic moments, EastEnders fans bid a tearful farewell to a true Walford legend. Natalie Cassidy’s final scenes as Sonia Fowler aired this week, marking the end of an era for the long-running BBC soap. Her emotional departure, filled with nostalgic nods and heartfelt goodbyes, left viewers sobbing—and with good reason.

Thursday night’s episode pulled out all the stops to give Sonia a memorable send-off. Alongside her fiery sister Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer), Sonia made a dramatic exit from Albert Square, heading off into the unknown with her daughter Bex and her newborn baby Julia. The foursome set off for a fresh start in Bali—though the way they got there was anything but traditional. In true Jackson-Fowler style, they swiped Sonia’s estranged father Terry Cant’s tickets, car, and even his boat.

Before her departure, Sonia took a quiet moment to pay tribute to those she had loved and lost. She left flowers at the grave of her ex-husband Martin Fowler (James Bye), who tragically died in a recent fire at the Queen Vic. That somber moment reminded viewers of just how much this character has endured across the decades.

Then came the infamous speedboat scene that had social media buzzing. As Sonia hesitated, Bianca handed her a trumpet—the same one young Sonia once annoyed the Square with. “I’ve got an idea. For old time’s sake, as we drive off—come on, it’ll be a laugh. You can put it in the bin when we get to Stansted,” Bianca quipped, prompting Sonia to belt out a few notes as they left. The scene was both hilarious and gut-wrenching, especially as the classic “Julia’s Theme” swelled in the background, giving the exit the emotional weight it deserved.

The boat was driven by Bex, and as they rolled through the Square one last time, familiar faces came out to wave them off. Viewers were deeply moved, with many taking to X (formerly Twitter) to express their heartbreak. “Why the hell am I crying at Sonia in a speedboat with a trumpet?” one fan posted, while another added, “That was a really lovely exit for Sonia and Bianca. Glad they got Julia’s Theme!”

Sonia’s departure marks the end of a long and emotional journey that began back in 1993. Throughout her time in Walford, she experienced just about every soap trope imaginable—teen pregnancy, family betrayals, body image struggles, and shocking twists.

Fans still remember when 15-year-old Sonia gave birth without even realizing she was pregnant, eventually discovering Martin Fowler was the father. Years later, she married Martin, despite him being responsible for the death of her then-boyfriend Jamie Mitchell in a texting-and-driving accident. Their relationship endured infidelity, trauma, and even a hostage situation involving a crazed woman obsessed with Martin.

Perhaps one of Sonia’s most painful arcs was losing custody of her daughter Rebecca (originally named Chloe), after her affair with a coworker cost her the right to raise her. Sonia also struggled with her weight, secretly undergoing gastric band surgery overseas, which led to a near-death experience when complications struck. And who could forget the harrowing storyline when she discovered Bex had attempted to take her own life after being overwhelmed by pressure and expectations?

But Sonia always pushed forward. Her strength, warmth, and resilience made her a cornerstone of the EastEnders universe, and Natalie Cassidy’s heartfelt performance brought a unique charm to the character for over 30 years.

Thursday’s episode also paid tribute to another Walford legend: Dot Branning. In a touching opening scene, Sonia listened to a recording of her beloved step-grandmother, voiced by the late June Brown. Dot’s words resonated deeply as Sonia packed her belongings and reflected on her life. “What did that little girl ever do to live a life of losing everything she ever loved?” Dot’s voice asked. The monologue served as a powerful bookend to Sonia’s journey—one rooted in longing, grief, and a never-ending search for love.

Natalie Cassidy isn’t the only familiar face saying goodbye this year. Patsy Palmer, who returned briefly as Bianca, has now left the show once more. Other 2024 exits include Bobby Beale actor Clay Milner Russell and Alan Ford, whose brief run as Stevie Mitchell came to an end earlier this year. Rumors are swirling that even Martin Fowler actor James Bye may bow out soon, amid fan speculation about his character’s direction.

As fans dry their tears, they’re left with hope that Sonia, Bianca, and Bex’s story isn’t truly over—just paused for now. With a send-off like that, it’s clear the door is wide open for a future return.

Until then, we wave our virtual trumpets in salute to Sonia Fowler, a true EastEnders icon who made us laugh, cry, and feel every beat of her complex journey. Bravo, Natalie Cassidy—you gave us a character we’ll never forget. 🎺💔🌅