Who are Julia and Tony in EastEnders? Sonia Fowler’s sweet nod that fans may have missed

EastEnders fans were given a second chance to vote on a major storyline when the 40th anniversary episode came to an end – and it was all to do with Sonia Fowler’s baby names

EastEnders’ 40th-anniversary episode was chock-full of drama, and the excitement didn’t end with the credits! As fans eagerly jumped online at 8.30 to cast their vote on who should be Denise’s love interest, they were greeted by an unexpected second poll – what should Sonia Fowler name her baby?

During the intense hour-long special, viewers watched Sonia go into labour amidst a fiery ordeal at the Queen Vic, all while Reiss Colwell met a tragic fate before her very eyes. As Lauren Branning and Bianca Jackson rushed to Sonia’s aid, Lauren enquired if she’d thought of any names. Sonia confessed she was torn between Julia and Toni (“Tony with an i”).

**Fans have been given the power to choose Sonia’s daughter’s name** (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

However, it was only upon casting their vote post-episode that fans discovered the poignant tribute behind these choices. The BBC website gave a nod to EastEnders royalty, explaining: “To honour the creators of EastEnders, Julia Smith and Tony Holland, what should Sonia name her baby?”

But who are these soap icons? Julia Smith and Tony Holland created the show in 1985, before their final contribution to the EastEnders universe in 1989, reports the Mirror.

**Dramatic scenes saw Sonia Fowler going into labour as a fire at the Queen Vic**

The tribute to Julia and Tony didn’t go unnoticed by some super fans. Taking to social media platform X, one fan shared their delight at the mention, saying: “Loved the reference in #Eastenders when Sonia said maybe she’d call her baby Julia, or Toni with an “I” after the shows creators. Anyone else spot that? #soniaeastenders #EastEnders40.”

Another fan posted: “Lovely nod to the two geniuses who brought the show to our screens 40 years ago,” while a third fan said: “oh we get to vote for what sonia names her baby out of julia and toni in tributes to the creators of eastenders… @bbceastenders is spoiling us for this anniversary.”

Julia sadly passed away in 1997 at the age of 70 after battling cancer, while Tony died in 2007 at the age of 67 following a period of illness.

**Tony Holland received a Special Achievement Award at the 2002 British Soap Awards** (Image: PA)

**Julia Smith posed on the Albert Square set in Elstree, England in 1985** (Image: Popperfoto via Getty Images)

The decision on whether Sonia should name her daughter Julia or Toni will be revealed on tonight’s live episode. Fans will also find out whether Denise Fox will choose Jack Branning or Ravi Gulati.

Last month, Natalie Cassidy announced she would be stepping down from her role as Sonia after three decades. In a statement, she said she was “extremely sad” but also “very excited” to be moving on.

“After another 11 solid years back on the square, I have decided it’s time to move on to pastures new,” she said. “EastEnders is in my bones so I will never forget where I started my career and I will continue to love the show.”

“Thank you to [executive producer] Chris Clenshaw for the opportunity to be such a big part of the 40th anniversary – it’s an honour. See you, Sonia, going but never forgotten.”