Natalie Cassidy to leave EastEnders after 32 years

Natalie Cassidy, a beloved actress known for her role in the long-running soap opera EastEnders, has announced that she will be leaving the show after an impressive 32 years. She first graced the screen as Sonia Fowler in 1993, and now, at the age of 41, she has expressed mixed feelings about her departure. In her statement, she mentioned that she is 'extremely sad' to be leaving but also 'very excited' about the new opportunities that lie ahead. The BBC has confirmed that her final scenes will air around the time of the show's 40th anniversary in February, which is a significant milestone for the series. Additionally, the BBC has planned a special live episode on February 20, where viewers will have the chance to influence the storyline. Natalie shared her thoughts, saying, 'After another 11 solid years back on the square, I have decided it's time to move on to pastures new. ' This indicates her readiness to explore new paths in her career. Throughout her time on EastEnders, Natalie has become an integral part of the show, and she will always cherish her beginnings in the series. She expressed her gratitude to Chris Clenshaw, the executive producer, for allowing her to be a significant part of the 40th anniversary celebrations. In her heartfelt message, she stated, 'See you, Sonia, going but never forgotten. ' Currently, Sonia is facing a challenging situation as she is pregnant and unaware of her partner Reiss's dark past, which adds layers to her character's storyline. Natalie initially left EastEnders in 2007 but made brief returns in 2010 and 2011 before coming back for good in 2014. Chris Clenshaw, the executive producer of EastEnders, commented on Natalie's departure, highlighting her contributions over the years. He stated, 'Over the last 31 years in EastEnders, Natalie has been involved in some of the show's most iconic and explosive storylines. ' He acknowledged that her portrayal of Sonia has made her a favorite among viewers. While he refrained from revealing specific details about her exit, he assured fans that she would play a central role in the 40th anniversary storylines, which promise to deliver unforgettable drama that will impact the lives of the characters in Walford. Sonia is particularly known for her humorous trumpet playing, which often irritated her family and neighbors during her early days on the show. Some of her most memorable storylines include being bullied by her friend Clare Bates and navigating the challenges of teenage pregnancy. The 40th anniversary celebration will also see the return of another iconic character, Grant Mitchell, who has been absent from the show for nearly a decade. The BBC has confirmed that the live episode will be part of the anniversary festivities, allowing viewers to have a say in the outcome of Denise Fox's love story, determining whether she should end up with Jack or Ravi. The special week of episodes will unfold over a single day in Albert Square, featuring an hour-long episode on February 19, followed by the live episode the next evening.