EastEnders' Natalie Cassidy to leave BBC soap after 30 years as Sonia Fowler
Natalie Cassidy is set to bid farewell to EastEnders, nearly 32 years since her first appearance. The 41 year old actress, better known as Sonia Fowler, will depart from Walford next month during the soap's 40th anniversary celebrations.
While details of her exit are under wraps, it’s confirmed that a major explosion will shake up the Queen Vic in that pivotal week. Natalie, who joined the cast at the tender age of 10 in December 1993, said: "I feel extremely sad to be writing this, but also very excited."
She continued, "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."
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The star, who hosts BBC Sounds podcasts Off the Telly with Joanna Page, added: "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."
Soap boss Chris Clenshaw hinted that Natalie will be pivotal in the anniversary week starting February 17. He said: "Over the last 31 years in EastEnders, Natalie has been involved in some of the show’s most iconic and explosive storylines."
Praising her work, he said: "Her portrayal of Sonia has made her a firm fan favourite amongst the viewers." He teased: "I won’t be revealing the finite details relating to her exit, but I can say that she will take a central role in the 40th anniversary storylines in a week of truly unmissable drama that will change the lives of those in Walford forever. I’d like to thank Natalie for her time at EastEnders, and I wish her all the best for the future"
Currently, Cassidy's character, Sonia Fowler, finds herself in a dramatic storyline as she's pregnant with Reiss Colwell's (Johnny Freeman) baby, oblivious to the fact that he was responsible for killing his ex-wife Debbie—a crime Sonia was accused of. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter.
However, Sonia was cleared when Reiss revealed a video showing Bianca Butcher (played by Patsy Palmer) apparently confessing to the murder. Unbeknownst to Sonia, Bianca had been coerced into making that false confession while being held captive by the devious accountant.
A source disclosed to The Sun: "There are so many twists and turns in the lead up to the 40th anniversary week. Sonia has no idea that Bianca is locked-up, and that Reiss is behind it all. But as she prepares to give birth in the coming weeks things will start to unravel.
"Bosses have pulled out all the stops to make the soap's big 40th the most dramatic and unforgettable week in the history of EastEnders.".
The same source added: "And although it will be the last time we see the character of Sonia Fowler in Albert Square following Natalie's decision to leave, everyone will have to wait and see if she makes it out alive."
Natalie first joined EastEnders back in 1993 and exited the square in 2007, only to return for short stints in 2010 and 2011, before making a full-time comeback in January 2014.
