"[13], On 25 October 2009 it was announced that Cassidy would return to the soap to reprise her role as Sonia, along with Coulson, Gaffney and Anderson. EASTENDERS' Danny Dyer had a long-running feud with Steve McFadden sparked by a row over the Queen Vic. Tanya arrives in Albert Square after her husband Max Branning's (Jake Wood) car breaks down, not realising in fact Max is visiting his family. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. Tanya avoids being around Max in the hospital and when Abi's life support is due to be withdrawn, Max asks if it can be withdrawn at Abi's time of birth. Custody is given to Cindy's sister, Gina Williams (Nicola Cowper). Joyner admitted she was so thrilled to finally be pregnant, she didn't even complain about her severe morning sickness. Sonia discovers that she may still be in love Martin and agrees to go on a date with him. Tanya goes to the hospital where she tells her doctor that [25] Joyner filmed her final scenes on 15 May 2013,[26] and Tanya departed the serial on 28 June. 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Though Carol and Alan were not initially married in the serial, and though Alan was only the biological father of Billie, the whole family took on Alan's surname. EASTENDERS fans are in shock after Rainie Cross made a shock decision about her baby after surrogate Bernie Taylor gave birth. On 1 December 2022, Sonia receives a phone call from Ireland with the news that Dot has died. That's why we're not secretive about it.'. Marriage to barrow boy Pete Beale followed several years after this in 1968, when Kathy was still very young. "[14] In December 2010, it was announced Cassidy would return to EastEnders,[15] as Sonia in order to facilitate a temporary storyline departure for co-star Palmer, who was due to take maternity leave. FORMER EastEnders actor Jake Wood reunited his with co-stars Lacey Turner, Heather Peace and Tanya Franks today in honour of soap legend Dame Barbara Windsor. Bex later calms down and she says an emotional farewell. I've been wanting to be pregnant for so long you can't really complain.'. She finds out that he has had an affair with Gemma Clewes (Natalie J. Robb) but forgives him. [22] Speaking to the Daily Star, Joyner said that rather than becoming depressed over the scenes, she goes home relieved that it's not her life. Sonia and her family move to Albert Square. He says I come back miserable, but once I've put the kids in the bath and had a laugh, then I feel good again. [30] Simon Ashdown, who created the character of Tanya, was invited back to write the Christmas Day episode and Joyner was approached by Ashdown and executive consultant, John Yorke. [17] EastEnders has worked closely with experts in the field to ensure that the issue is accurately portrayed. Sonia is better known for her problematic marriage with Martin Fowler (James Alexandrou/James Bye), which ends in 2006 when Sonia begins an affair with nurse Naomi Julien (Petra Letang). Their slow introduction was a deliberate attempt by the programme makers to introduce the whole family over a long period. Afterward, Naomi faded into the background and Sonia ended up back with Martin, seeming to forget entirely about the same-sex attractions she once had [] It was a sad but not unexpected ending to a rare chance for the BBC to acknowledge lesbian sexuality in its programming and for viewers to witness a positive lesbian relationship that didn't ruin anybody's life [] Sonia or Naomi [] had the potential to develop a loving depiction of lesbian sexuality but were failed by the show's writers and, arguably, the BBC's institutionalized homophobia".[24]. This. . When Martin and Charlie "Tubbs" Savage (Tayla Kovacevic-Ebong) knock down George Watson (Jack Bennett), Sonia visits George in hospital to question him about the hit-and-run. Later, when Tanya and baby are safely in hospital, Stacey and Bradley visit and Stacey and Max agree to move on. She then arranges for Lauren to visit Tanya for relationship advice. EastEnders actress Tanya Franks has reportedly quit her role as Rainie Cross on BBC soap after seven years. Billy continually apologises but she tells him that all she wants is honesty presents are immaterial. We have all the information on what is happening in the soaps, what you can't afford to miss on television and which new shows and series are launching. Rainie and Stuart are overcome with emotion upon setting their sights on the little. Tanya initially accepts Max's comfort but then pushes him away. Sonia and Robbie, who has also returned, move in with Dot to help care for her. When Bex decides that she doesn't want to go to university, Sonia pressures Bex into applying to Oxbridge University, much to Bex's annoyance. During her time on the show, Cindy embarked on a prolonged relationship with her would-be husband Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt). Speaking of this, Joyner said, "I love playing Tanya and being part of such a great show, but she has been on quite a rollercoaster over the past seven years and I have come to realise that it's right for her to step away from Walford for a bit longer than originally planned. Before leaving, Tanya admits that she was thinking of rebuilding her relationship with Max, but Jane assures her that that would have been one of the biggest mistakes of her life. After Ricky and Bianca's wedding, Sonia decides she must make a fresh start with Martin and leaves again. [10] She was spotted doing improvisations at the Anna Scher Theatre School by Tony McHale and EastEnders' Casting Advisor Jane Deitch. Southend hospital midwives are amazing. EastEnders 2009 - 2011 - 20/02/2009. [22] She added: "I go home and laugh even more hysterically than I would normally because of what's happening to Tanya. [17] Viewers will see how Tanya, a mother of three, will use her inner determination to deal with what will be one of the toughest challenges of her life. After giving birth to the little tot on Dot's sofa, Sonia named her daughter Chloe though she was adopted after Sonia thought she was too young to be a parent. [3], "I have to say actually, I do prefer playing a sort of tarty, nasty bitch, because quite frankly it's more fun. She returned briefly[2] in 2010 along with other members of the Jackson family,[3] and re-appeared in the soap from 8 to 18 February 2010 and again in January 2011. Sonia helps him, nursing him through his injuries and they decide to marry but their happiness is short-lived as Martin accidentally hits Jamie with his vehicle. "That is mine and your little secret," she quipped. Appalled, Martin refuses Sonia access to Rebecca. If this seems like the most inopportune time to turn Sonia into a lesbian, well, the show's writers did it anyway [] Sonia's sudden lesbian affair was met with disapproval from all sides, and nobody the fans, characters or even the actors was particularly supportive of her relationship. I just got on with school and all that". On her 36th birthday, Sonia meets Tom "Rocky" Cotton (Brian Conley) who is masquerading as her father, Terry but is actually working in cahoots with Dotty Cotton (Milly Zero) to con Sonia who is in control of Dotty inheritance since Sonia has power of attorney. Emmerdale star confirms Paddy will 'find his humour' again amid suicide story aftermath, Zack and Whitney's tragic final goodbye to lost baby Peach in EastEnders, Corrie star warns evil Justin may tear Daniel and Daisy apart forever. Kirsty agrees to the divorce, realising she is hurting Max. [5] After returning for a short stint from 14 April 2017 to 18 April 2017, Cassidy returned to the role of Sonia permanently, with the return being broadcast on 27 June 2017. As Tanya starts to throw her mother and sister out, Lauren reveals that Tanya has cancer and confronts her about stopping her therapy. Bun in the Oven Tanya realises she's pregant, but doubts she can rely on Max to be a good father anymore. Tanya announces that her divorce from Greg will soon be finalised and proposes to Max. Max shows Tanya this by saying Kirsty is leaving. When Ronnie goes to see Jack, she's puzzled as to why he's packing his bags. This makes Sonia distraught and preoccupied with Rebecca. Lauren reassures Tanya it is fine for her to miss the service as Abi loved her and at the end; Tanya says goodbye to Lauren. Their marriage soon deteriorated, however, due to Cindy's selfish streak that shows the character becoming unfaithful to Ian and growing more concerned about her own needs than their own children. Stacey kicks Martin out and Sonia agrees for him to move into No. Ronnie is surprised to find Jack packing and she's furious when Phil admits that he was behind it. In an interview in October, Joyner told OK! But it doesn't mean Sonia won't be back". Greg later buys the beauty salon from Roxy Mitchell (Rita Simons) and later pushes Tanya to have another baby though Tanya is against the idea. Greg briefly returns but cannot handle the news that Tanya has cancer and quickly leaves again. [38], The UK communications regulator Ofcom later found that the episodes depicting the storyline were in breach of the 2005 Broadcasting Code. Couple find note in chimney that reveals their 290,000 house was 100 times cheaper 50 years ago. In 2021, Sonia is led to believe that she has reunited with her father Terry, whom she never knew. Patsy Palmer, who returned to EastEnders as Sonia's sister Bianca, publicly called for the actress's return: "I would love her to come back. [8] Due to the programme's increased frequency, a number of new characters were introduced to the regular cast in the latter part of 1993 and early 1994. The great betrayal: How journalist Isabel Oakeshott leaked Matt Hancock's WhatsApps after they worked Don't just stick to the Malbec! During her childhood, she becomes close friends with Clare Tyler (Gemma Bissix) and the two are inseparable until Clare falls in with the wrong crowd at school and starts bullying Sonia but they reconcile before Clare leaves in 1998. is shirley from eastenders pregnant in real lifeirina emelyanova pasternak 26th February 2023 / in coastal carolina football camp 2022 / by / in coastal carolina football camp 2022 / by Get the latest updates, reviews and unmissable series to watch and more! [2], Actress Michelle Collins was asked to audition for the part by the soap's co-creator, Julia Smith, who saw her perform on stage. Sammy also posted a snap of some morphine and anti-clotting jabs, which are often needed after the operation. 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[3] During the affair storyline between Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) and Tanya's husband Max (Jake Wood), Joyner did not read any parts of the EastEnders scripts other than her own, as she felt her acting was improved by not knowing what Max did behind Tanya's back, and because she felt that she could better justify to herself why Tanya would not suspect Max of cheating if she in reality did not know what he was getting up to. Max finds Tanya in the hospital's chapel, who is angry with Max that Abi has to die because of him, and agrees to stay away. Joyner confirmed that she wants sparks to fly between her character and estranged husband Max. However Stuart is innocent and the perpetrators behind the attack are young youths. Bath EastEnders actress Jo Joyner has given birth to twins. The comments below have been moderated in advance. It is believed Joyner has signed an exclusive magazine deal to unveil her twins for the first time. She returned full-time on 27 June 2017. Tanya plots to bury Max alive and with the help of Sean, they drug Max and bury him in the woods. She tells Kirsty to sign divorce papers, but Kirsty refuses. People are very protective of the soap and if you are rubbish you can't get away from it. Fans of the show were upset that anyone (let alone a lesbian) had come between Sonia and Martin. Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group, Zoe Ball and Norman Cook are the 'happiest parents' as they welcome baby Nelly May Lois, Reality TV star Kourtney Kardashian proudly shows off her newborn son Mason, I'm pregnant! A swastika is graffitied on Dot's door which causes Dr Legg to fall into a panic attack. When Derek discovers that Tanya scared his daughter Alice Branning (Jasmyn Banks) away, he threatens to kill Tanya if she does it again. Sahid Nagar, Bhubaneswar, 754206 Abi overhears this and tells Lauren. This was the most watched EastEnders episode of 2008 and the episode received 116 complaints from viewers. Initially she only wants to make Simon jealous but she and Ian start dating and by February 1989, they announce their engagement. 386 episodes, 1991-2022 Clair Norris . [27], In December 2014 it was announced that Tanya would return in February 2015 for a few episodes, for Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) and Jane Beales (Laurie Brett) wedding and for the show's 30th anniversary. This vitriolic response to Sonia and Naomi's relationship could have been a pivotal moment had the program's producers used the opportunity to prove either the quality of their relationship or to reinforce Sonia's parenting abilities. A terrified Max and Tanya go through the ordeal and Max ends up delivering their new-born son. Actress Tanya Cross said Abi's kidnapping is a 'kick in the stomach for Rainie' Credit: BBC "She has a huge battle on her hands to get her back. Sonia returns in January 2011, following Bianca's disappearance following her attack on Connor Stanley (Arinze Kene), who had also dating Whitney. When she was young she was a lot like Stacey Slater. Rainie, as viewers know, has been on edge as of late, as Stuart has refused to receive medical treatment following his breast cancer diagnosis. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. By What's on TV published 28 November 07 (opens in new tab) She begins a relationship with Jamie Mitchell (Jack Ryder) who is later killed on Christmas Day 2002. Lauren also discovers that Tanya has not attended a hospital appointment, when Tanya said she was given the all-clear from cancer. Bernie is relieved when mum Karen (Lorraine Stanley) arrives, and soon enough, she gives birth to a baby boy. Cassidy commented, "it was all decided without doing that. Although Sonia wants Bex to move in with them, Bex chooses to stay with Martin and Stacey. You will receive a verification email shortly. The baby, who is named Chloe, is subsequently given up for adoption and renamed Rebecca, despite protests from Martin's mother Pauline Fowler (Wendy Richard). The couples attention was soon elsewhere, however, as Bernie returned to the Square, and confirmed that she will hand over the baby as soon as its born, provided they give her the cash. They reunite and Cindy gets pregnant in 1993. Instead, Margaret's reaction was surprisingly representative of the public response to their relationship. In 2010, Cassidy said one of the reasons she decided to leave the show was because of Sonia's affair with Naomi Julien (Petra Letang), saying it was wrong for the character. Last year doctors told her she had run out of options. Months later, Cora reveals that Tanya has been admitted to a psychiatric hospital because of the increasing trauma of losing Abi. VIDEO: Catch up with the latest EastEnders action, Neighbours reveals seven HUGE cast members returning for show reboot, ITVX price, shows, live TV and what you need to know about ITV's streaming service. Joyner and her husband Neil Madden's new additions come after the couple spent years struggling to conceive. Before Abi's funeral, Tanya's friends talk about her being unable to attend the funeral as she has had a nervous breakdown. Sonia and Martin face further upset when they discover that their daughter's adoptive parents have died in a car crash. Will the frosty relationship between Carol and Bianca thaw? Tanya Franks . [8] Among them were the Jackson family: mother Carol (Lindsey Coulson), her four children, Bianca (Patsy Palmer), Robbie (Dean Gaffney), Sonia (Natalie Cassidy), and Billie (Devon Anderson), as well as Carol's partner Alan Jackson (Howard Antony). Sammy's hubby Ricky is at the centre of his own baby storyline in EastEnders. Tanya is shocked that Ava is mixed-race, and decides not to see her again. Prepare for peak pothole season! Cindy soon follows Ian back to Walford with her new boyfriend, Nick Holland (Dominic Taylor). However, Sonia becomes obsessed with her daughter and abducts her, locking herself in her house with the baby. New dad Stuart has been battling with postnatal depression ever since baby Roland was born earlier this year. Unfortunately, they did neither of these things. [34] In 2012, Joyner and Wood won the Best On-Screen Partnership category at the British Soap Awards. She remembers her mum looking at her dad with pity [when he was ill] and she'd hate that happening to her. A new highly accurate blood test for prostate cancer is giving doctors hope that they will soon be able to screen for the disease.. Just as Pauline intends, Martin ends his relationship with Sonia in order to care for her, but when the truth finally comes out, a furious Martin moves out anyway. i dont own any right to this video all rights go to bbcEastenders - Lauren gives birth - 17th September 2015Eastenders - Lauren gives birth - 17th September . I have been very fortunate to have been part of some fantastic storylines over the years, and I have worked with some wonderful people during my time on the show which I will always be very grateful for, but I feel that as a mother and an actress it is time for me to explore some other avenues for a while." Of her experiences as a mother, she added: "It's fantastic. Gethin subsequently resigns his job at the school and leaves Walford, and Sonia tells Bex that she has done nothing wrong. More at IMDbPro Contact info Agent info Resume Born August 16 Add to list Awards 3 nominations Photos 34 Known for Mum 8.3 TV Series Carol 2016-2018 3 eps Broadchurch 8.4 TV Series Lucy Stevens [30] The episodes were mainly filmed at night due to Joyner's other work commitments. However, Cindy grows tired of Simon's womanising, and despite his feelings for her, she moves on to Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt), who is becoming a successful entrepreneur. Rainie Cross, who is played by actress Tanya Franks in the BBC . Sonia Fowler (ne Jackson) is the daughter of Carol Jackson and Terry Cant, sister of Bianca, Robbie and Billie, mother of Bex and ex-wife of Martin Fowler. But I've had my extensions out and the false lashes are coming off. Cindy and David meet secretly for a year and she falls in love with David, growing less and less tolerant of Ian. She forgives him again and realises that she still has feelings for him. Sonia is supported by Tina but Sonia backs away when Tina goes to kiss her as Sonia is unsure of her feelings. When Stacey defends Max, Tanya tells Stacey that Jane has told her that he killed Steven and tried to kill Jane. When do the clocks change in 2023? In 2000, Sonia discovers that she is pregnant at 15 and gives birth to a daughter Rebecca Fowler (Jasmine Armfield) whom she puts up for adoption. Sonia is released and decides to leave Walford for Manchester. EastEnders actress Jo Joyner is celebrating after giving birth to twins. Unbeknown to Tanya, Max has started an affair with Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner), who is Max's son Bradley Branning's (Charlie Clements) former girlfriend. He lies to her that he loved Carol but Sonia is unwilling to build bridges due to Terrys treatment of Carol when they were together- however, Sonia does warm to him until she finds out the truth. I will grab every chance I can to show Tanya dropping her guard." Danny, 45, quit as landlord Mick Carter at Christmas and tonight hinted on ITV's Jonathan Ross Show that he would not miss some cast. Joyner was nominated for the "best actress" award at the All About Soap Awards in 2012[33] and later won the award. Margaret decides to make the Fowlers' Rebecca's legal guardians but does not include Sonia when she finds out about her lesbian fling. Her big moment arrives as she reveals that she wants to call him Oscar. Ian, Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) and Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) find her, and Phil and Grant abduct Steven and Peter while Ian claims he still loves Cindy and will forgive her. Thank you for signing up to Whattowatch. Digital Spy participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. EASTENDERS' Bernie Taylor has agreed to be a surrogate for Stuart Highway and Rainie Branning in order to help her family get out of debt. Bianca invites Sonia and Martin to her wedding to Ricky Butcher (Sid Owen) and Sonia attends alone. EastEnderscharacter Portrayed by Natalie Cassidy Duration 1993-2007, 2010-2011, 2014-present First appearance Episode 922 2 December 1993 (1993-12-02) Classification Present; regular Created by Tony McHale Introduced by Leonard Lewis(1993) Matthew Robinson(1998) Diederick Santer(2010) Bryan Kirkwood(2011) Dominic Treadwell-Collins(2014) Spin-off Tanya then starts a relationship with Max's brother Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) and Max tries to split them up. More at IMDbPro Contact info Agent info Resume Born July 1, 1976 Add to list Awards 25. And we are obsessed," followed by four blue hearts. She is an actress, known for Ali G Indahouse (2002), EastEnders (1985) and Xenoblade Chronicles (2010). Also, Dot takes over the nativity play from Yolande. She was due to appear in only eleven episodes but the character evolved. Sharing a pic of the drugs she needed after her Caesarian, she wrote: "My waters broke 2 weeks early (the night I got my date which was supposed to be July 6! She decides that to resist temptation she must leave Walford, and Max is deeply disappointed. (Image credit: BBC) Tanya is in the throes of labour and Max is forced to take advice from the midwife over the phone and deliver the baby himself. Jessie gasped in shock with a huge smile on her face, appearing delighted to hear the news. Prince Harry boasts about finding 'freedom and happiness' and jokes about reincarnation in unseen TV Behind-the-scenes at fashion week with the Spencers! Privacy Policy, EastEnders pulled from BBC One tonight and tomorrow, EastEnders spoilers: TonyClayreveals significant changes for Callum Highways character in new story, EastEnders spoilers: Zack and Whitneys tragic final goodbye to lost baby Peach, EastEnders spoilers: Callum Highway gets a promotion to detective but a big shock follows, EastEnders spoilers: Ravi Gulati involved in major organised crime case as Jack Branning investigates, stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage, EastEnders spoilers: Mick Carter chooses Janine Butcher over Linda as he publicly kisses her, EastEnders Jamie Borthwick shares cast green room celebration for Lacey Turner, Do not sell or share my personal information. Tanya also explains her concerns about Abi's recent troubling behaviour leading to being accused of killing Lucy, and she and Max end up arguing over whether each other are to blame for this. [5] Cassidy made two guest stints during her maternity leave, on 25 December 2016 via webcam and for a three episode arc from 14 to 18 April 2017. Heres how it works. Though she's had dalliances with Sean Slater, Jack Branning and even went up the aisle with Greg Jessop, it's Max she always goes back to. He thinks I carry it all more than I think I do.