The week of April 14th to 17th, 2025, in EastEnders is poised to be a dramatic and pivotal one, particularly for Sonia Fowler, as she grapples with the fallout of past traumas and a shocking new revelation that appears to solidify her decision to leave Walford. Simultaneously, a surprising and potentially reckless plan emerges from Zack Hudson, adding another layer of intrigue and conflict to the unfolding events in Albert Square.

Sonia’s journey towards her confirmed exit begins with an unsettling intrusion into her private grief. Still reeling from the tragic death of Martin Fowler and the harrowing experiences with her former fiancé Rice Cowwell, Sonia finds herself the unwilling subject of morbid fascination. Local gossips Kim Fox and Mo Harris, in their relentless pursuit of attention, bring a tour group of true crime enthusiasts directly to her doorstep, eager to gawk at the location of her past suffering. This deeply insensitive act ignites Sonia’s fury, which she initially directs towards her sister, Bianca Jackson, blaming Bianca’s recent tell-all interview for the unwanted scrutiny.

However, a more sinister element lurks beneath the surface. Unbeknownst to Sonia and her daughter, Bex Fowler, a man from the true crime tour has developed a disturbing fixation on their house, specifically noting the number 25. This detail hints at a potential stalker or someone with a specific, and potentially dangerous, interest in Sonia or her family, adding a layer of suspense and unease to her already fragile state.

Bianca, facing the consequences of her own actions by being evicted from Kat Slater and Alfie Moon’s flat, returns to a volatile reception from Sonia. Still incensed by the intrusion and blaming Bianca for exacerbating the situation, Sonia initially orders her sister to leave. However, Bex, displaying a maturity beyond her years, urges her mother to show more empathy towards Bianca, recognizing their shared trauma. A fragile reconciliation begins when Sonia finds Bianca in the Square Gardens, suffering a panic attack triggered by the intrusive attention of fans. In this moment of shared vulnerability, the sisters tentatively mend their fractured bond.

Seeking a brief respite, Sonia and Bianca venture to Harry’s barn for a drink. However, their attempt at normalcy is shattered when Bianca becomes convinced that an overzealous fan is watching them. Her anxiety escalating, Bianca gives chase, leading them to the playground where the identity of the mysterious observer is finally revealed. Despite Bianca’s pleas for him to leave Sonia alone, this man, driven by an unknown agenda, seeks out Sonia and confronts her. This encounter leaves Sonia reeling, as a significant and deeply personal truth comes to light, the nature of which is initially concealed but clearly has a profound and unsettling impact, further pushing her towards a decision to leave Walford. Bianca, witnessing her sister’s distress, offers her support, but the revelation has clearly shaken Sonia to her core.

In the aftermath of this shocking revelation, Bianca and Bex recognize Sonia’s need for space and time to process the information. Bex confides in her uncle Jack Branning, updating him on the distressing situation. Jack, ever the steadfast family figure, offers Sonia words of wisdom and support, his advice prompting her to seriously contemplate a life-changing decision – whether to finally say goodbye to Walford and seek a fresh start elsewhere. The internal turmoil within Sonia is palpable as she weighs the ties that bind her to Albert Square against the overwhelming desire to escape the shadows of her past and the constant reminders of her pain.

While Sonia grapples with this monumental decision, she seeks solace and understanding from an unexpected source: Stacey Slater. Both women share the profound grief of losing Martin Fowler, and in a poignant moment of connection, they offer each other comfort and support. This interaction could prove to be a crucial turning point for Sonia, with Stacey’s own resilience and perspective potentially influencing her final decision regarding her future.

Meanwhile, across Walford, a surprising and potentially reckless plan begins to form in the mind of Zack Hudson. Still reeling from the revelation that he is the father of Nicola Mitchell’s teenage son, Barney, Zack becomes increasingly determined to forge a relationship with his newfound child. Despite Nicola’s vehement warnings and attempts to keep them apart, Zack seizes an opportunity to connect with Barney, offering to train him. Oblivious to the complex history and underlying tensions, Barney’s adoptive father, Teddy Mitchell, agrees to Zack’s offer.

Their initial attempts at bonding, such as going for a run, appear promising to Zack, but Nicola’s return from her impromptu holiday ignites her fury. Discovering Zack’s involvement with Barney, she confronts him with a menacing warning to stay away. However, Zack, emboldened by his desire to be a father, ignores her demands. Undeterred, Nicola resorts to manipulative tactics, enlisting Tommy Moon and newcomer Joel Marshall to antagonize Barney during a training session with Zack. Her scheme appears to work, as a distraught Barney, believing Zack is to blame for the boys’ behavior, flees, leaving an incredulous and frustrated Zack in his wake.

However, Zack’s determination to connect with Barney is unlikely to be easily extinguished. The “shocking plan” hinted at in the title could involve Zack taking drastic and potentially ill-advised measures to circumvent Nicola’s control and establish a relationship with his son. This could involve confronting Teddy directly with the truth, attempting to manipulate Barney into seeing him, or even engaging in a risky and potentially explosive confrontation with Nicola herself, threatening to expose her own dark secrets – including the fact that she, not Teddy, murdered Shireen. Zack’s desperation and his burgeoning paternal instincts could drive him to make a decision that has significant and unforeseen consequences for all involved, potentially escalating the already volatile situation with Nicola to a dangerous new level.

Alongside these central storylines, the week will also see Lily Slater continue to struggle with grief and make a confession, Avani Nandra-Hart’s reliance on drugs deepen, and Jean Slater grow increasingly concerned about Nigel Bates’ escalating dementia. However, the primary focus remains on Sonia’s emotional journey towards her exit and the surprising and potentially destructive path Zack Hudson embarks on in his pursuit of a relationship with his son. The week of April 14th to 17th, 2025, promises a compelling blend of emotional farewells and shocking new developments that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the residents of Walford.