This week’s EastEnders marked a truly emotional milestone as the iconic Sonia Fowler bid farewell to Walford after decades of unforgettable moments. The drama kicked off with a fallout between Sonia and her sister, Bianca Jackson, which was intensified by the controversial “Coma Killer” podcast. Sonia returned to her beloved Walford, determined to protect Bianca when obsessive fans began threatening her. Yet, the storm was far from over. In a shocking twist, Sonia’s estranged father, Terry, made an unexpected reappearance. He offered her a chance to start fresh in Bali, but Sonia soon realized that Terry had not changed. He remained as cruel and distant as ever, leaving Sonia with no choice but to turn him down. Instead, she chose to leave with Bianca and her nieces, setting off on a new chapter of her life.

In a highly symbolic farewell, Sonia departed Walford on a speedboat, her iconic trumpet in hand, a heartfelt tribute to the character’s unforgettable legacy. This moment marked the end of an era, with fans watching as one of Walford’s most beloved characters sailed away into the unknown.

Meanwhile, chaos unfolded in the Slater household, with young Lily spiraling out of control. She began experimenting with drugs and engaging in reckless behavior with her best friend, Avani Nandraart. Tensions reached a boiling point when a hammer-wielding drug dealer crashed a party, creating panic among the teens. Fortunately, Jack Branning arrived just in time to defuse the dangerous situation.

Stacey, still grappling with her grief, found unexpected comfort in her final hours with Sonia. Their bond, formed through years of shared struggles, was revisited one last time, adding another emotional layer to Sonia’s exit. Their heartfelt conversation offered a bittersweet moment of closure as Sonia prepared to leave Walford behind.

Elsewhere, Nicola Mitchell found herself furious after discovering that Zack Hudson had been secretly training Barney behind her back. In typical Nicola fashion, she swiftly took action, instructing Tommy Moon and Joel Marshall to sabotage the day’s events. It was a stark reminder that Nicola is not one to be underestimated, and her influence continues to shake things up in Walford.

On a brighter note, Kojo began to turn his life around following the harrowing aftermath of the explosion at the Queen Vic and the incident involving Cindy Beale. He made the decision to assert his independence, opting not to move back in with his family. Instead, he landed a job at Harry Mitchell’s garage, where he quickly impressed everyone. His fresh start was symbolized when he received an invite to Nicola Mitchell’s birthday party, hinting at a positive new chapter for Kojo.

The broadcast schedule also saw a change due to the Easter holiday, with the episode on April 21 airing earlier at 6:50 PM instead of the usual 7:30 PM to make way for Tim Burton’s Dumbo.

But perhaps the most significant event this week was the departure of Sonia Fowler, as EastEnders said goodbye to a character who has been at the heart of Walford for decades. Sonia’s exit comes just weeks after the show’s monumental 40th anniversary, which saw shocking twists including Martin’s death and the explosive return of Grant Mitchell. Ross Kemp, who returned as Grant, humorously quipped about the fast-paced drama of EastEnders, where no moment is ever truly calm.

Sonia’s legacy will forever remain in the hearts of EastEnders fans. From her unforgettable moments, including the surprise childbirth, the heart-wrenching child abduction, and fierce confrontations, to her defining moment in the Christmas slap to Pauline Fowler, Sonia’s character has been a true force of nature. Her fiery spirit and the iconic sound of her trumpet will echo through the square long after her departure, ensuring that Sonia Fowler’s legacy will never fade in Walford’s history.