If there was anyone fond of blowing her own trumpet then it was Sonia Jackson - literally

Although she originally left the soap in February 2007, she has popped back so frequently that they didn’t buy her a return ticket to Walford but a season ticket

If there was anyone fond of blowing her own trumpet then it was Sonia Jackson – and in her case quite literally.

For she was the teenage amateur who made people’s ears bleed and dogs howl in agony as she huffed and puffed on the instrument.

Although she originally left the soap in February 2007 to give her marriage to Martin Fowler another go, she has popped back so frequently that they didn’t buy her a return ticket to Walford but a season ticket.

When her mother Carol is told that she does have breast cancer and it could be spreading, she goes to see daughter Sonia, with Natalie Cassidy, now 30, reprising the role.

But then Carol does need to escape Albert Square. Bianca’s still in a foul mood, having found Carol and her dad David in bed.

When she finally admits that she does have cancer, Carol, David and Bianca are brought closer together, but then she is also struggling in her relationship with Masood, not least of all because of his daughter Shabnam being so disapproving.

So it’s no wonder Carol and Masood do split up, particularly after David gloats he’s back with his ex.

Furious, she then rushes off to the sanctuary of Sonia’s house, quickly followed by Bianca for a family reunion.

Could Carol suffer any more?

Well, yes. Sonia’s daughter Rebecca is about as musical as her mother and they all have to suffer her giving a recital on acoustic guitar.

Could a reconstructed Jackson family and a cancer story be the way forward for EastEnders?

Possibly…