Walford Gazette #5

Greeting Walfordians! The news is coming in thick and fast at the moment, what with the 40th birthday bash approaching and all, so here at Walk Through Walford we’re struggling to keep up! So let’s get the sad news out of the way first:

By now most people will be aware that Natalie Cassidy has decided to leave EastEnders after 11 years home on the Square. Sonia Fowler, then Jackson, first appeared, aged just 10 in 1993, and left in 2007 for a fresh start away. In 2024, Sonia returned and moved back to Walford to be with grandmother Dot and has since taken up her gran’s mantle as the good neighbour and keen listener! We here at Walk Through Walford are sorry to see Sonia go, but wish Natalie all the best with her incredible future!

Now then. Some good news. The documentary by Ross Kemp, titled EastEnders: 40 Years on Albert Square, will air the week of the Anniversary celebrations (w/c 17th February). Former cast member, and recent surprise returnee, Joe Swash, aka Mickey Miller, will be on BBC Three after the Live Episode on the 20th February to catch up with all the cast and crew straight afterwards.

And there’s more. BBC Four will also be showing some iconic episodes, as well as some classic television appearances from EastEnders stars on Wogan, as well as some classic EastEnders: Revealed from yesteryear! So set your recordables and be prepared…

You haven’t seen anything yet.

Anyway, onto next weeks spoilers. And there’s more than a few familiar faces back in town… Welcome home, Grant!

Until next time,

The Curator.

Monday 10th February 2025
written by: Pete Lawson

Sonia struggles after watching Bianca’s confession video. Her health then takes a sudden turn for the worse and she heads to the hospital.

Reiss is at the lock-up, where he’s shocked by a new discovery. Word reaches him over Sonia’s condition, so he leaves the lock-up to join her at the hospital.

Once Sonia is sent home to rest, Reiss decides to head back to the lock-up. Sonia decides that it’s time to delete the confession video, but she’s stopped in her tracks when she makes a shocking discovery.

Meanwhile, Sharon convinces Phil to see a doctor, but he’s annoyed by her meddling and forces her to leave.

Elsewhere, Ian, Kathy and Peter all stop Cindy from gaining access to No.45 and further accusations fly. Later, Priya comes to Ian’s rescue and they end up having a drink together at the pub.

Also today, Chelsea moves into No.27 and reaches a truce with Penny, while Ruby surprises Martin with a thoughtful gesture.

Tuesday 11th February 2025
written by: Pete Lawson

Sonia is shocked by her discovery and she confronts Reiss when he returns home.

Following their tense showdown, Sonia tries to leave but Reiss blocks her exit.

Meanwhile, Phil’s mental health continues to deteriorate as he starts to hallucinate.

Elsewhere, Ian and Priya hope their antics will make Cindy and Ravi jealous, but Cindy has other ideas. Back at No.45, a warm moment between Priya and Ian is interrupted when Kathy arrives home early.

Also today, Jack reveals his true feelings for Denise.

Wednesday 12th February 2025
written by: Rob Gittins

The day of Honey and Billy’s joint sten-do arrives, but Sharon struggles to enjoy the occasion as she’s still worried about Phil.

Sharon’s concerns grow when she learns from Mo that Phil was the one who paid for the event. When Phil is nowhere to be seen, Sharon orders a search party.

As Phil’s mental health worsens, he struggles to decipher reality.

Meanwhile, Priya attempts to see out a plan and invites herself for dinner at No.45, but she leaves early after Kathy makes some harsh comments. Ian rushes after Priya, but can he win her round again?

Thursday 13th February 2025
written by: James Payne

Sharon, Jay, Billy and Honey continue to look for Phil and they’re worried when they can’t find him at No.55.

Phil experiences hallucinations which depict scenes from the Mitchell family home in 1985. Phil acts as a bystander during a pivotal moment from his adolescence, as well as conversing with characters from his past and his younger self.

When Jay and Sharon finally track Phil down back at No.55, he insists that he’s fine and wants to be left alone.

Later, though, Nigel arrives home with someone who he hopes can help Phil – his brother Grant.

Meanwhile, Linda is comforted by her loved ones when she returns home from rehab.