The character in question was mentioned for the first time in years last month

Sonia went to an unlikely source for help in her final EastEnders episode(Image: BBC)

EastEnders fans admitted that they ‘didn’t expect’ a character who hasn’t been seen in years to make a cameo for Sonia Fowler’s exit

It was an emotional night on Thursday (April 17) as Natalie Cassidy departed the BBC soap she first appeared on in 1993.

The episode began with Sonia learning that her father Terry Cant attacked her sister Bianca Jackson, just days after showing up in her life for the first time.

Sonia was planning on moving to Bali with Terry and her two daughters Bex and Julia, but was left unsure what to do.

Debating if she should go with her head and trust Bianca or finally have her dad in her life, Sonia turned to an unlikely source.

Heading into the episode, many viewers were expecting at least one shock appearance, with some suggesting Carol Jackson might show up.

In the end it turned out that Tom ‘Rocky Cotton’, played by Brian Conley, was back on the show for the first time since 2023 as he gave Sonia guidance on what to do as she went to see him in prison.

Upon Rocky’s arrival in 2021, he pretended to be Sonia’s father in an effort to scam money off of her. However, the pair formed an unexpected friendship.

(Image: BBC)

Initially posing as a friendly person who just wanted to make people happy, Rocky’s schemes were rumbled on his wedding day to Kathy Beale, when it emerged he was still married to Jo Cotton.

Eventually leaving when sentenced in court for the insurance scam that burnt down Kathy’s business, Rocky was mentioned last month when Kathy paid a visit to him offscreen.

Listening to Rocky’s advice, Sonia decided against going to Bali and go stay with her niece and Bianca’s daughter Whitney Dean instead.

However, after locking Terry in a garage after he got aggressive, Sonia, Bianca, Bex and Julia took his plane tickets, car and speedboat and left Walford.

In a heartwarming final scene, Sonia triumphantly played her trumpet as she got the happy ending fans were demanding since her exit was announced in January.

While those watching at home took to X, previously known as Twitter, to express their sadness to see three big characters leave, many were delighted that Rocky was finally back on the show.

@leighsflo said: “omg i wasn’t expecting a Rocky cameo #EastEnders.” @perfectmanda added: “Awww Rocky is the dad Sonia has always wanted #eastenders.”

@Shannon79053723 wrote: “Even though Rocky was an imposter, he was better father to Sonia! #EastEnders.” @lisaa_ell posted: “Oh my didn’t expect to see Rocky back #Eastenders.”

@itsamy_xo commented: “Today’s episode was great. Stunning opening with Dot’s monologue. Lovely scenes between Yolande & Avani. Sonia & Rocky was sweet to watch too. Sonia, Bianca, Bex, & baby using the bali tickets. Jean is finally being nice again. Another Julia theme. Great end to the week.”