After an impressive 32-year run, Natalie Cassidy, who has portrayed Sonia Fowler since the age of 10, has made the shock decision to leave EastEnders. 

Her exit will come as part of the BBC One soap’s monumental 40th anniversary celebrations, marking the end of an era for both Cassidy and the beloved character of Sonia.

In her first interview since making the announcement, exclusively with The Sun on Sunday, 

Cassidy opened up about the decision to step away from the iconic role that has shaped much of her life. 

Reflecting on her time with EastEnders, she shared her feelings, saying, “I’m 42 this year, I just feel like it’s time to be brave. You don’t want to get to 70 and think, ‘I never tried that.’”

Cassidy, who made her debut on the show in 1993, has grown up in the public eye. The actress expressed her deep love for the program, calling it a significant part of her life. 

“I’ve loved this programme with all my heart. I started at ten, it’s in my bones, it’s in my heart,” she said. Despite her long history with the soap, the decision to leave was made after a heart-to-heart conversation with the show’s boss, Chris Clenshaw, earlier in the summer.

She admitted that she had been contemplating the exit for a while before finally making the decision to move on. “It’s just exciting,” she said of her choice. Cassidy will film her final scenes later this month, signaling the end of her longstanding role as Sonia.

While Cassidy is leaving, her character’s fate remains uncertain. A special week of anniversary episodes will feature a huge explosion that rips through the Queen Vic pub, and there are strong speculations that Sonia may meet her demise in this explosive event. However, Cassidy is staying tight-lipped about her character’s potential exit. She explained, “I’ve got to remember in my head that when, as an actress, you make a decision to leave a show like this, you can’t hypothesize or worry about what’s going to happen to your character. That is down to the boss and the storyliners as the fate of Sonia is in their hands.”

Sonia Fowler first appeared in Albert Square as part of the Jackson family, which also included her sister Bianca (played by Patsy Palmer) and brother Robbie (Dean Gaffney). Over the years, Sonia has been involved in some of EastEnders’ most unforgettable storylines, including giving birth as a teenager, her tumultuous relationships, and the tragic death of her boyfriend, Jamie. Cassidy has played a significant role in the development of Sonia, making the character a staple of the show.

Although her time with the soap is coming to a close, Cassidy has fond memories of the show’s legendary stars, including June Brown (Dot Cotton) and Wendy Richard (Pauline Fowler). “I was going out with June, aged 18, having a glass of red wine with her in The Ivy when she was in her seventies,” Cassidy fondly recalled. “We went to Malta and we sat in a Jacuzzi together having a laugh. We stripped off!” Her bond with her fellow castmates has been a highlight of her time on EastEnders, with these friendships helping to shape her personal and professional journey.

Looking back, Cassidy revealed that the iconic moments from her career, such as Sonia’s famous trumpet scene, will always hold a special place in her heart. “How can it annoy me? It’s so wonderful to have an iconic moment. So no, I’m never annoyed when people say ‘Sonia, where’s your trumpet?’ I absolutely love it,” she said. For many EastEnders fans, this moment is one of the show’s most memorable.

Despite her departure from EastEnders, Cassidy’s impact on the show is undeniable. Sonia Fowler has become a beloved character, and her exit will mark a significant change for both the actress and the fans who have followed her journey for over three decades.

As for Cassidy’s future, she is eager to explore new opportunities beyond the soap world. “It’s exciting to think about what else I can do,” she shared. Although she is saying goodbye to Albert Square, it seems that Cassidy’s journey in the entertainment industry is far from over. As EastEnders heads into its 40th anniversary, the legacy of Sonia Fowler will continue to live on in the hearts of fans.

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