Natalie Cassidy, who stars as Sonia Fowler, has confirmed that she will be departing from .
After 32 years of portraying Sonia Jackson on the iconic soap, Cassidy will make her exit following the show’s 40th-anniversary celebrations.
Her character is currently expecting a child with Reiss Colwell (played by Jonny Freeman), unaware that he is responsible for his ex-wife’s murder, for which Sonia was initially charged before being found not guilty.
Natalie Cassidy, who first appeared on the show at the age of 10, expressed her feelings about leaving, stating: “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. 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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Natalie Cassidy has starred on Eastenders since she was 10 years old (Image: BBC)
“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,”reports .
Cassidy will film her final scenes for the show in February, coinciding with the highly anticipated 40th-anniversary week. It’s reported that she informed the show’s bosses of her decision to leave last summer.
A source told about the soap sensation facing her end next month: “It would be a proper soap shocker if she was to die during the 40th but equally it will be one that viewers will never ever forget.”
They also mentioned: “Bosses have pulled out all the stops to make the soap’s big 40th the most dramatic and unforgettable week in the history of .”
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Natalie Cassidy as Sonia Fowler (Image: BBC)
The revelation has sent shockwaves through the fanbase, with social media responses like “Oh, this is sad.”
Another distraught user commenting: “Just confirmed:- Natalie Cassidy is leaving as Sonia Fowler during the 40th anniversary week. They can’t kill her off.”
Elaborating on Natalie’s departure, head honcho Chris Clenshaw stated: “Over the last 31 years in , Natalie has been involved in some of the show’s most iconic and explosive storylines. Her portrayal of Sonia has made her a firm fan favourite amongst the viewers.”
He added: “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 , and I wish her all the best for the future.”