Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy) begins doubting sister Bianca Jackson’s (Patsy Palmer) confession in EastEnders next week – unaware that the real killer Reiss Colwell (Jonny Freeman) is living under her roof.
Last week, after facing trial for a murder she didn’t commit and the prospect of spending the rest of her life behind bars, heavily pregnant Sonia was found not guilty.
Sinister fiancé Reiss had been the most perfect lifeline as he continued to conceal the fact that he was the one who smothered his comatose wife in July.
He was desperate to get Son’ home, but wasn’t prepared to own up to his evil actions.
When Bianca – who he has been hostage for months – agreed to take the blame in a tell-all video, his eyes lit up with joy. She also thought it would be her only opportunity to escape his clutches.
Unfortunately for her, with Sonia home, she became his last priority and she now may now die in captivity.
Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) didn’t believe that his niece was capable of such a crime, and was in disbelief that she would put her own sister through so much turmoil.
Earlier this week, Sonia was full of questions about what Reiss knew about the confession tape. She wasn’t the only one eager for an update, as her neighbours branded Bianca a murderer.
When she returned home, Reiss was narked by her insistence to speak to the CPS and asked her to drop the matter for the sake of their unborn child.
After chatting with Jack, she became adamant that her ‘doting’ fiancé isn’t being 100% truthful.
In upcoming scenes, Sonia decides to confront Reiss with what her uncle Jack has told her, but instantly feels guilt-ridden when he makes her feel bad for questioning him.
Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) also has her own suspicions and tells her that she knows she isn’t alone in her doubt.
In a surprise move, Sonia admits that she thinks Bianca wasn’t responsible, and only confessed to save her.
She continues to beg Jack to use his police intel to get a copy of the video in strict confidence – Reiss isn’t to know that she’s doing her own investigations.
EastEnders 40th anniversary – Everything we know so far
Here's what EastEnders fans can expect as the soap celebrates its 40th anniversary on 19 February 2025:
A live episode
Having previously gone live for the 25th and 30th anniversaries in 2010 and 2015, the soap will be beaming live to the nation once again during the 40th week.
This instalment will air one day after the big 4-0, on Thursday February 20.
The episode will also mark a huge EastEnders first as bosses are giving the audience the power to vote on the outcome of one storyline, with the actors having to react to the result live on air – speaking of which…
Denise Fox decides... sort of.
With Denise Fox (Diane Parish) having found herself in a love triangle with Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) and Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara), fans will decide whether she reunites with her estranged husband Jack or picks her secret lover.
We also know that another 'history making' decision will be left to audiences to decide, with details yet to be announced.
Grant Mitchell returns
Ross Kemp will be reprising his role as the legendary Grant Mitchell to play a significant part in the 40th celebrations.
‘Grant has never been far from the action and let’s just say, this time is no different as he certainly comes back with a bang,’ Ross teased.
Cindy Beale’s attacker revealed
Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) was left for dead when she was whacked over the head with a shovel by a mystery assailant on Christmas Day after the truth about her affair with former stepson Junior Knight (Micah Balfour) exploded.
With the finger of suspicion currently pointing at numerous characters, Cindy’s attacker will be unmasked at last during the anniversary week.
Special programming
Ahead of the big week, BBC Four will broadcast EastEnders Sings at the BBC, a look back at archive performances from cast members from Top of the Pops.
Ross Kemp will take a trip down Walford memory lane with a special hour-long documentary called EastEnders: 40 Years on The Square, taking fans behind the scenes as he delves into the show’s history and relieves some of the most memorable moments.
BBC Three will also offer viewers a look at the explosive anniversary storylines with a 45-minute interview special – EastEnders Revealed: The Lock In – hosted by Joe Swash as he chats to some of the actors who find themselves at the heart of the anniversary drama.
The Queen Vic explodes
As Billy and Honey Mitchell (Perry Fenwick and Emma Barton) prepare to walk down the aisle, their favourite boozer The Queen Victoria will burn to the ground.
Aerial pictures from filming show the pub blown to smithereens, with a car crashed into the side. There's also a marquee in the middle of the Square Gardens - is this from the wedding?
When Reiss begins to draw up plans to convert the dining room into a playroom for the baby, she has to pretend to be excited whilst she eagerly awaits the footage.
More Trending
Later, as Sonia sits down to press play, Reiss catches her in the act.
Yikes!
Shockingly, he sits down beside her and agrees to watch it with her. Majorly awkward, and even more so when she has an unexpected reaction.
Deals of the Day
Save £300 on the 'Ferrari of lawn mowers' that gardeners are calling 'unbelievable'
I tested the 'life-changing' under-£20 at-home lash extensions so you don’t have to
From embroidered napkins to makeup brushes – here's everything a shopping expert is buying
From swimsuits to tankinis, here’s what we’re shopping from Damson Madder’s swimwear edit
Festival season is looming! The ultimate packing checklist to brave Glastonbury and more
To add salt to Sonia’s wound, DI Xiang informs her that the police have issued a search warrant for Bianca and that when she’s found, she’ll be charged with murder.
If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@metro.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you.
Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage.
MORE: Nish’s shocking final wishes revealed as unexpected EastEnders character lands his fortune
MORE: Sonia’s fight for Bianca takes new twist in EastEnders as she’s rocked by discovery
MORE: EastEnders’ Natalie Cassidy is worlds away from Sonia in new role with Traitors star
