EastEnders fans were left heartbroken earlier this month when Sonia Fowler, played by Natalie Cassidy, bowed out of Walford once again — but it turns out viewers didn’t even get to see everything that was filmed.

Speaking on her new podcast, Off The Telly, which she co-hosts with Gavin & Stacey star Joanna Page, Natalie shared a surprising revelation: a crucial and emotional scene from Sonia’s exit was cut from the final broadcast.

“I felt quite emotional,” Natalie admitted. “But you know what? Maybe I missed it because I wasn’t watching properly, but I feel like they cut out my favourite scene.”

The scene in question? A touching moment between Sonia and Walford legend Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden). “It was Sonia and Phil just having a moment in the Square. I didn’t see it,” Natalie said. “I might have to go back and have a look. I’d be really cross [if it was cut], because it was a really nice scene.”

Despite the missing moment, the 41-year-old actress said she was overall pleased with Sonia’s exit storyline, which saw her leaving in joyful, if slightly chaotic, style — complete with a speedboat and her iconic trumpet in tow.

“I’ve had loads of DMs and messages from people saying they shed a tear — but a happy tear,” Natalie said. “It was nice and joyful. It wasn’t depressing. I didn’t leave in a black cab — it was just fun.”

Fans Voice Their Disappointment

While Natalie’s cheerful departure was well-received overall, fans were quick to point out what they felt was missing: a goodbye scene between Sonia and Phil, or even Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick). Longtime viewers know the deep history between these characters, especially through Sonia’s tragic romance with Jamie Mitchell (Jack Ryder).

Jamie, who was Phil’s godson and Billy’s nephew, died in 2002 after being hit by a car — in a devastating twist, the driver was none other than Martin Fowler, Sonia’s later husband. Sonia’s deep-rooted connections to Phil and Billy made the lack of farewell scenes particularly painful for devoted fans.

One fan took to X (formerly Twitter) to lament:

“Tbh my only complaint of Sonia’s last episode was no Phil or Billy goodbyes. Like HELLLLLO!? The three of them are forever linked because of Jamie #EastEnders.”

Another echoed the sentiment:

“Phil and Sonia’s relationship is one of my favourite dynamics of the entire series, so it’s a shame they weren’t given a goodbye scene. #EastEnders.”

A third viewer added:

“Incredibly heartwarming send off for Sonia even if the fast pace nearly dismantles it. Hearing Dot again was a nice touch. I wish her and Phil had one last conversation but alas, I digress. #EastEnders.”

The wave of comments highlights just how much Sonia’s deep ties to Walford’s original families still resonate with viewers after all these years.