EastEnders fans were left fuming as a beloved character went missing from the BBC soap

EastEnders enthusiasts were left feeling disgruntled as a favourite character appeared to be substituted. The BBC One soap returned on Wednesday (August 21), delving into the fallout of Sonia Fowler’s (played by Natalie Cassidy) and Reiss Colwell’s (Jonny Freeman) unexpected arrest earlier this week.

As fans will recall, Reiss tragically took his wife Debbie’s life while she was in a coma a few months ago, amid his financial troubles and mounting debts. However, in a shocking twist, Sonia and Reiss found themselves arrested for her murder earlier this week.

This week saw Sonia and Reiss under police interrogation. Meanwhile, Sonia’s ex-partner Martin (James Bye) was left stunned, determined to free Sonia.

He subsequently turned to Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) for help, begging him to assist Sonia – a plea he agreed to. Later at the police station, Phil kept his word and arranged for a lawyer to represent Sonia.

However, die-hard soap fans were left fuming as Phil’s regular lawyer Ritchie Scott was replaced by another. Instead of sending their usual lawyer Ritchie (Sian Webber), Phil sent a colleague of hers, according to the Daily Star, reports MyLondon.

Ritchie is a fan favourite and is known as Phil’s trusted lawyer who he hires to get him out of tricky situations. The character first appeared on our screens back in 2005 when she was hired by Peggy Mitchell (Barabara Windsor).

EastEnders enthusiasts were left scratching their heads in confusion when a new lawyer turned up on the scene, instead of the familiar face of Ritchie. One perplexed fan took to Reddit to express their dismay: “Ermmmm that’s not Ritchie. Just watched today’s episode. And Martin goes to Phil to ask for his ‘solicitor’ only for two people not called Ritchie to show up to defend Reiss and Sonia.

“I know it’s minor but I can’t be the only one who wishes Ritchie was a regular character.

The online buzz continued with another viewer posting on social media: “I thought Ritchie was a regular since she’s been with the Mitchells since 2005,” while another was left wondering: “wtf happened to Ritchie did Phil lose her number?”

Questions kept coming as fans aired their queries across various platforms, with one asking: “Where’s Ritchie?” A fifth commentator noted with concern: “Phil has sent a better soliciter for Sonia. Where is Ritchie – is she in Spain again?”