Natalie Cassidy announces departure from EastEnders after 30 years of iconic storylines
- Natalie Cassidy is exiting from the long-running BBC soap opera EastEnders.
- The actress portrayed the role of Sonia Fowler for more than three decades.
- She joined the show in 1993 at the age of 10. Her final scenes will air during the 40th anniversary week starting February 17, 2025.
Natalie Cassidy bids farewell to EastEnders after over three decades
Natalie Cassidy has officially announced her departure from EastEnders, coinciding with the show’s 40th anniversary celebrations.
She has portrayed the character ‘Sonia Fowler’ for 32 years, after first appearing in the series in 1993 at the age of ten.
In a statement released on January 31, Cassidy expressed mixed feelings about her departure. The 41-year-old actress stated she feels “extremely sad” but also “very excited” about new opportunities.
She further mentioned,
“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.”
Her last scenes will be shown during the 40th anniversary celebrations of the soap opera, which start on February 17, 2025.
Similarly, the BBC has announced a live episode on February 20, where viewers will have a say in the outcome of a storyline.
While details of Cassidy’s exit storyline remain undisclosed, executive producer Chris Clenshaw confirmed that Cassidy will be a key character in the dramatic events planned for the anniversary.
Currently, Sonia is involved in a complex plotline regarding her pregnancy with Reiss Colwell’s child. She is also unaware of his dark past involving the murder of his ex-wife.
Additionally, this milestone will see the return of Grant Mitchell, played by Ross Kemp, after nearly ten years away from the show.
Tributes pour in for Natalie Cassidy as she announced exist from East Enders
After Natalie Cassidy announced her departure from EastEnders, the show’s executives, Clenshaw, praised her contributions and acknowledged that her character’s exit would be both dramatic and memorable.
He shared a picture of her on X, formerly known as Twitter, and wrote,
“Over the last 31 years in EastEnders, 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. I won’t be revealing the [minute] 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.”
Besides, Patsy Palmer, who plays Bianca Jackson on EastEnders, has paid a heartfelt tribute to her co-star.
In her tribute, Patsy expressed pride in Natalie’s accomplishments in acting, business, and family life.
On Saturday, January 31, the 52-year-old actress shared a nostalgic photo on Instagram featuring herself and Natalie in wedding dresses, celebrating their long-standing friendship both on and off the screen.
In her post, she expressed her admiration for Natalie, stating,
“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 I day was her biggest protector,”
Patsy reflected on their time working together on EastEnders, praising Natalie for growing into a ‘fantastic’ woman who is not only funny but also supportive.
She mentioned how Natalie helps her feel comfortable while she is away from her family in Los Angeles by often giving her rides and preparing meals.
She continued,
“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 business ventures and your beautiful family. “
Patsy concluded with an inspiring message to young women aspiring to succeed. She wrote,
“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.”
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