With Natalie Cassidy officially leaving EastEnders, fans of the BBC soap think they have worked out her exit storyline ahead of the 40th anniversary live special

EastEnders is preparing to celebrate its 40th anniversary with a week of episodes, with everything building up to Thursday’s live special.

With Natalie Cassidy set to leave the BBC soap this year, fans are now convinced that they know how Sonia Jackson will go – and viewers should have their tissues at the ready. Next week in Albert Square, Reiss returns to Walford and as Bianca confronts him over his crimes, it triggers a series of events that lead to a huge explosion inside The Queen Vic.

As the public goes up in flames, Sonia finds herself trapped inside and goes into labour. With no medical support on hand and only two people with her, there’s doubt over whether she’ll make it out alive.

The Queen Vic will burst into flames next week during the soap’s 40th anniversary

With viewers set to find out in the live episode, many are convinced that Sonia’s exit is connected to her being in the fire. One viewer took to social media to give their thoughts, writing: “It would be dramatic if they did kill of Sonia.”

A second said: “I think Sonia and Bianca will nail Reiss, but Sonia goes in to save someone after blast and dies #EastEnders #EastEnders40 #EE40.”

A third suggested that Sonia won’t be the only death in the special, with Martin, Ruby and Stacey also at risk. “Martin gets injured in the fire and dies in the ambulance with Stacey and Ruby being there, Ruby then stabs Stacey who also dies,” they predicted. “The ambulance then proceeds to crash while running over Sonia Fowler with Sonia and Ruby both dying due to injuries sustained in the crash.”

Meanwhile, one fan predicted that Sonia will be brought back from the brink of death by the ghost of her dead ex-boyfriend Jamie Mitchell, who was killed when Martin Fowler accidentally ran him over. “Ooooh imagine if Sonia is caught in the Vic Fire and before she’s about to die in the flames she sees Jamie who tells her it’s not her time!!!” the viewer said.

Another fan was sceptical of the Sonia death rumours, writing: “Hmmm I don’t think Sonia dies…why would they announce she’s leaving the show if the big anniversary death is supposed to be a surprise? #Eastenders,” they said.

Since Tuesday’s spoilers came to light, fans have been convinced that Martin Fowler will die in the upcoming fire. “Pretty much convinced that Martin is going to die,” one viewer wrote.

EastEnders’ live episode airs Thursday 20 February on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.