The EastEnders 40th anniversary celebrations are in full swing, with a highly anticipated live episode set to air tomorrow. 

However, eagle-eyed fans believe they’ve spotted a major spoiler about Sonia Fowler’s fate—hidden in a public vote that allows viewers to name her baby.

Fans Get a Say in Sonia’s Baby’s Name

As part of the 40th anniversary festivities, EastEnders is giving fans the chance to participate in two public votes, both of which will be revealed during the live episode. 

The first vote allows viewers to decide whether Denise should choose Ravi or Jack, a storyline that has had fans divided for months. 

The second vote, however, has caught fans’ attention as it determines the name of Sonia’s newborn daughter.

The two name choices—Julia and Toni—pay tribute to EastEnders creators Julia Smith and Tony Holland. But while the vote itself is a nod to the show’s legacy, many fans believe it also hints at Sonia’s survival, at least long enough to name her baby.

Sonia’s Deadly Ordeal in The Queen Vic

In recent episodes, Sonia found herself in the middle of the chaos after Reiss Colwell crashed his car into The Queen Vic, causing an explosion and trapping several Walford residents inside. Already in labour, Sonia was stuck in the kitchen with Lauren Branning when her sister Bianca Jackson managed to get to them.

But just as they tried to find a way out, Reiss reappeared, desperate to be a part of his child’s life. Sonia, however, wanted nothing to do with him.

“You’re a freak, Reiss. You are a murdering freak. You’re not going to be any part of my daughter’s life,” she screamed, making her feelings crystal clear.

Bianca quickly stepped in, using a rolling pin to fend off Reiss, who stumbled backward. At first, it seemed like he had escaped serious harm after only a small piece of rubble fell on him. But in true EastEnders style, disaster struck moments later when a bathtub came crashing down from above—crushing him instantly. Bianca took one look at his lifeless body and confirmed what everyone already suspected: Reiss was dead.

Does the Baby Name Vote Confirm Sonia’s Fate?

As Sonia continued to struggle in labour, she mentioned wanting to name her daughter either Julia or Toni (with an “i”). Shortly after the episode aired, the BBC launched the official public vote with the caption: “What should Sonia name her baby?” This quickly led fans to believe that Sonia will survive long enough to give her baby a name.

“Sonia stays alive long enough to give her baby a name then!!” one fan speculated.

Another added, “Sonia has the baby and is ok!”

However, EastEnders viewers are well aware that actress Natalie Cassidy has confirmed her departure from the soap. This has led to further theories about how Sonia’s exit will play out.

One fan predicted, “I think Sonia and Bianca will be with the baby, and when the Vic is rebuilt, they will both leave and rent Dot’s house to Lauren to keep it in the faammmlee.”

Controversy Over Baby Name Choice

While most fans are excited about getting to choose the baby’s name, some have pointed out a potential issue with one of the options.

The name Toni, while meant as a tribute to EastEnders co-creator Tony Holland, has an unfortunate connection to Walford’s dark past. Bianca’s ex-boyfriend, Tony King, was a notorious predator who abused Bianca’s niece, Whitney Dean. Some fans feel that naming Sonia’s child Toni would be inappropriate given this history.

“She can’t call her Toni, as if she would name her child after her sister’s creepy ex who abused her niece,” one fan wrote.

Another agreed: “Obviously get the sentiment, but it’s a bit shite for Whitney if Sonia ends up making her baby have the same name her abuser had.”

Fans Find Humor in the Situation

Not all fans are taking the baby name vote too seriously, though. One viewer joked about the absurdity of a public vote deciding a baby’s name, writing:

“Cannot believe they’re doing a vote on Sonia’s baby name. My write-in vote for Baby McBabyface doesn’t seem to have been accepted.”

With the live episode airing tomorrow, all will soon be revealed. Will Sonia make it out of the Vic alive? And which name will the public choose? One thing is for sure—EastEnders is pulling out all the stops for its 40th anniversary, and fans are in for a dramatic ride.

Follow us to see more useful information, as well as to give us more motivation to update more useful information for you.