EastEnders viewers were not too impressed as a fan-favourite character was ‘replaced.’
The BBC One soap returned to screens on Wednesday (August 21) and followed the fall-our from Sonia Fowler (played by Natalie Cassidy) and Reiss Colwell’s (Jonny Freeman) shock arrest earlier this week.
As fans will recall, Reiss ended up killing his coma-induced wife Debbie a few months ago, amid his money troubles and mounting debts. But in a shock twist, earlier this week, Sonia and Reiss were arrested for her murder.
In Wednesday’s (August 21) episode, Sonia and Reiss were questioned by police. Meanwhile, Sonia’s ex Martin (James Bye) was left reeling, determined to get Sonia out.
He then headed round to Phil Mitchell’s (Steve McFadden) and pleaded for him to help Sonia – to which he agreed.
Later on, at the police station, Phil kept his word and a lawyer was brought in to represent Sonia. However, loyal soap fans were left fuming as Phil’s go-to lawyer Ritchie Scott had been replaced by someone else.
(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
Instead of Phil sending their usual lawyer Ritchie (Sian Webber) he sent someone else who works for her. Ritchie Scott is a firm favourite with viewers and is known as Phil Mitchell’s trusted lawyer who he hires to get him out of trouble.
The character first appeared back in 2005 when she was hired by Peggy Mitchell (Barabara Windsor). Peggy wanted the lawyer for Phil’s trial for armed robbery. She also advised Phil’s sister Sam after she was arrested for killing Den Watts.
Clocking the new lawyer, one fan fumed on a Reddit thread: “Ermmmm that’s not Ritchie. Just watched today’s episode. And Martin goes to Phil to ask for his “solicitor” only for two people not called Ritchie to show up to defend Reiss and Sonia. I know it’s minor but I can’t be the only one who wishes Ritchie was a regular character.”
Someone else wrote: “I thought Ritchie was a regular since she’s been with the Mitchells since 2005,” as a third proclaimed: “wtf happened to Ritchie did Phil lose her number?”
Another person penned on social media: “Where’s Ritchie?” A fifth wrote: “Phil has sent a better soliciter for Sonia. Where is Ritchie – is she in Spain again?”
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
