For over three decades, Natalie Cassidy has been a staple of EastEnders, playing the role of Sonia Fowler since she was just ten years old. Her character, part of the iconic Jackson family, quickly became a fan favourite. Over the years, Sonia evolved from a gawky teen into a central figure in Albert Square, navigating storylines that tackled teenage pregnancy, complex family dynamics, and personal growth.
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After Shaun Williamson’s departure, it has been revealed that Natalie is the next to leave the show. As part of the soap’s 40th anniversary celebrations, Natalie has decided to bid farewell to Albert Square. She is one of the many stars who found fame on the iconic TV show.
Natalie Cassidy reveals she’s leaving EastEnders after 32 years
In January 2025, Natalie announced her decision to leave the show, with her final scenes set to air during EastEnders' 40th-anniversary celebrations in February. Speaking about her departure, she told The Sun:
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. EastEnders is in my bones so I will never forget where I started my career and I will continue to love the show.
Adding:
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’. I’ve loved this programme with all my heart. I started at ten, it’s in my bones, it’s in my heart.
Reportedly, Natalie made the decision after having a heart-to-heart with the soap’s top boss Chris Clenshaw six months ago. She added:
I’d been thinking about it for a little while. I had a wonderful chat with Chris back in the summer. It’s just exciting.
What will happen to Natalie Cassidy’s character on the show?
As the 40th-anniversary episodes approach, fans are abuzz with theories about how Sonia will bid farewell to Albert Square. Show bosses and Natalie are keeping tight-lipped about the character’s future on the show. Natalie revealed:
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 hypothesise 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. I’ve had to take a deep breath, and go, ‘I’ve made my decision, I’ve just got to let it play out’.
Meanwhile, Chris has hinted that Natalie is going to be a main character in the 40th anniversary storylines, reports The Sun. He shared:
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.
Fans speculation about Natalie Cassidy’s character
The coming days are going to witness explosive drama including a huge explosion at The Queen Vic. Many fans believe that Sonia will have a tragic end and will be killed off either in the fire or while giving birth. Some also believe she will move to the city and leave the Square with Bianca, reports Metro.co.uk.
One fan took to X and wrote:
I really hope Sonia doesn't die during the 40th-anniversary episodes of the Vic fire.
Another two added:
I'm calling it. Since the announcement of Natalie's departure, Sonia is either going to die whilst giving birth or at the hands of Reece. She better blow that damn trumpet one last time.
Reiss dies in the Queen Vic Fire following a car crash. This triggers Sonia to go into labour. Sonia is saved from the fire and gives birth. Bianca is discovered in the lockup by the police then Sonia and Bianca leave the Square together.
A third speculated:
I worry that Sonia finds out about where Bianca is, Reiss then locks Sonia in the house and accidentally kills her when she tries to escape, then Reiss is arrested for what he’s done to Bianca and Sonia, as someone (possibly Lauren or Jack) walks in.’
What’s next for Natalie Cassidy?
While saying goodbye to EastEnders is bittersweet, Natalie is already moving on to new and exciting projects. Just a day after her exit was announced, it was confirmed that she has landed a role in Boarders, a BBC comedy-drama about a group of Black students navigating life in an elite boarding school. Natalie will play a quirky teacher, Sharon Hail, in the show’s second season. Speaking about the role, she said:
I loved series one of Boarders and was so thrilled to be asked to appear in series two.
There is such talent amongst all the cast and crew and I loved playing a very eccentric teacher. Don’t miss it!
In addition to Boarders, Natalie has been exploring other opportunities outside of soaps as well. She co-hosts the BBC podcast Off The Telly with Gavin & Stacey star Joanna Page. Previously, she made a guest appearance in the hit BBC comedy Motherland in 2021.
In addition to her acting pursuits, Cassidy is set to front a four-part Channel 4 series titled What's The Big Deal?. She has also been a guest panellist on ITV’s Loose Women.
On a personal front, Natalie is a busy mum of two and has been engaged with BBC cameraman Marc Humphreys since 2014. The pair haven’t decided on a wedding date yet. She said:
Do you know what? It's a lot of money. No, I tell you what it is; it's time and budget. It is because I go, 'I'll only do something small; I don't need to...'
I will do it small, but I want to be at The Ledbury. Oh, I want a Michelin star meal or I'm just a bit of a snob genuinely. I'll want the best flowers, and I will want a designer suit.
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Sources used:
Mirror: EastEnders fans 'work out' Sonia's tragic exit storyline - and it's not a happy ending
The Sun: EastEnders legend Natalie Cassidy reveals real reason behind shock decision to quit soap after 32 years
The Sun: Natalie Cassidy’s next role revealed after she quits EastEnders – and it’s just DAYS away
Metro.co.uk: EastEnders fans ‘work out’ Sonia’s emotional exit storyline after 32 years
Mirror: Inside Natalie Cassidy's EastEnders exit from cryptic post, real reason to next steps
