EastEnders actress Patsy Palmer breaks silence on Natalie Cassidy quitting BBC One soap
From one EastEnders icon to another, Patsy Palmer has celebrated the achievements of Natalie Cassidy as she announced she was leaving the BBC One flagship soap after 32 years. Patsy posted a moving message to her Instagram account about Natalie's departure.
Pasty and Natalie starred on EastEnders together for many years with Patsy playing Bianca Jackson and Natalie playing Sonia Fowler. Posting a throwback picture of the pair dressed in wedding attire, Patsy said: "Needed to pay my respect to this woman @natcass1. I have known Natalie for too many years to add up. I started at The Anna Scher Theatre school when I was 9.
"Natalie is 10 years younger so she probably started around the same age some 10 years later . She was a old head in the cutest shoulders from day 1 and from that day I was her biggest protector. When we started @bbceastenders we started together I would drive from Bethnal Green to Islington every morning to pick her up and bring her to work waved off by Eve her beautiful mumma.
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"Windows down we would sing and laugh and learn lines on our wonderful journey together. I have seen her grow into the most fantastic woman over the years and so so brilliantly funny and now shes making sure I am safe and comfy when I am here so far away from my family in LA.
"She often gives me a lift nowadays from work to stay with her making me dinner or to the hotel and I am truly grateful to call her my Sister on screen and off screen. Without Anna Schers we wouldn’t have done the jobs we have done because unfortunately its tough for girls like us to have made something of ourselves.
"I was determined to make Natalie know that she could do it and she has again and again ! I’m proud of you and your work , your buisness ventures and your beautiful family.
"Here’s to all of you girls that think you won’t make it !! When we shot these scenes back in the early 90’s 22 million people tuned in to watch!! so keep dreaming . Don’t believe the lies we are here rooting for you Go get em Nat I’ll be watching." For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter
Natalie replied to the post, saying: "Thank you so much @patsypalmerofficial this is just beautiful. I love you." followed by a red love heart emoji. Having first graced Albert Square in 1993 as Sonia Fowler, Natalie has become a beloved presence over the decades.
In a statement about leaving EastEnders, Natalie said: "I feel extremely sad to be writing this, but also very excited. After another 11 solid years back on The Square, I have decided it's time to move on to pastures new.
"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 Chris Clenshaw for the opportunity to be such a big part of the 40th anniversary – it's an honour. See ya, Sonia, going but never forgotten."
