The name of Sonia Fowler’s baby daughter has been revealed on EastEnders after fans were asked to vote on it during the 40th anniversary episode in honour of the show’s creators
EastEnders has announced the name of Sonia Fowler’s newborn daughter during the live episode – a decision made by a suprise public vote fans found out. In last night’s episode, Sonia shared with Lauren Branning and Bianca Jackson that she was considering two names, Julia and Toni, “Tony with an i.”
However, choosing a name seemed to be the least of her worries as she was about to give birth amidst the devastating aftermath of the explosion at the Vic – from which they had not managed to escape.
To add to the drama, Reiss Colwell, the father of Sonia’s baby, was tragically crushed right before their eyes. After the hour-long episode, viewers flocked to the BBC website to cast their votes on whether they wanted Denise Fox to end up with Jack Branning or Ravi Gulati.
But they were in for a surprise when they were offered a second vote as a token of appreciation. Instead of another vote for either Ravi or Jack, they were given the chance to choose the name of Sonia’s baby girl.
The BBC website posed the question: “To honour the creators of EastEnders. Julia Smith and Tony Holland, what should Sonia name her baby? ” Fans were then allowed to vote, and it has been revealed that the majority chose the name Julia, reports the Mirror.
In a dramatic episode, Sonia was in labour for the majority of the show with Lauren and Bianca providing tea towels, booze, and moral support. “One more push like you’re blowing your trumpet,” Bianca urged her, leading to the baby’s arrival.
Tension peaked as they noticed the baby turning blue and Sonia growing extremely weak, yet, thankfully, cries filled the air, signalling all was well with Sonia and newborn Julia by the episode’s end. In real-life drama, Natalie Cassidy has announced her departure from the soap after a 30-year run.
Issuing a heartfelt statement, the 41-year-old expressed her deep sadness coupled with excitement about her future. “After another 11 solid years back on the square, I have decided it’s time to move on to pastures new,” she shared.
“EastEnders is in my bones so I will never forget where I started my career and I will continue to love the show.
“Thank you to [executive producer] Chris Clenshaw for the opportunity to be such a big part of the 40th anniversary – it’s an honour. See you, Sonia, going but never forgotten.”
Pioneers Julia Smith and Tony Holland gave birth to ‘EastEnders’ back in 1985, and four decades on it remains a staple of British television. Tasked by the BBC with creating a London-centric soap to contend with ‘Coronation Street’ and ‘Emmerdale Farm’, Holland drew on his own London upbringing to shape the storylines and characters, including the Beales, inspired by his own life and family.
The duo both exited the soap in 1989, after a four-year run. During their stint on the show, they penned the Christmas Day 1986 episode which still holds the record as one of the most viewed moments on British TV with a whopping 30.1 million viewers.
The plot revolved around the disintegration of Den and Angie Watts’ marriage, culminating in an unforgettable cliffhanger where Den serves Angie divorce papers outside the Queen Vic. Last night, Anita Dobson made a comeback as Angie Watts, appearing as a figment of her daughter Sharon’s imagination.
As Sharon lay amidst the debris, her imagined version of Angie urged her not to surrender. Sharon then cried out for help and was rescued by her former spouse Grant Mitchell.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
