After more than 30 years of playing Sonia Fowler, EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy has officially confirmed her departure from the beloved BBC soap.
The 41-year-old actress, who first stepped into the role in 1993, announced on Thursday that her time in Albert Square is coming to an end. Cassidy has been a staple of the show, weaving in and out of Walford’s drama-filled streets, but this time, she is making her exit permanent. Her decision marks the end of an era for a character that has grown up before the eyes of millions of devoted viewers.
Expressing a mixture of emotions, Cassidy shared a heartfelt statement addressing her departure. “I feel extremely sad to be writing this, but also very excited,” she said. “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.” Her words resonated with fans who have followed her character’s many ups and downs over the decades, from teenage struggles to turbulent relationships and shocking betrayals.
Cassidy’s exit comes at a significant moment in the show’s history. As EastEnders gears up to celebrate its 40th anniversary in February 2025, the actress acknowledged the honor of being part of such a milestone. “It has been an absolute privilege to play Sonia for so many years, and to be a big part of the 40th anniversary celebrations means the world to me,” she said.
Signing off with a nod to her character’s legacy, she added, “See you, Sonia, going but never forgotten.” The BBC has confirmed that her final scenes will air around the anniversary week, though the exact details of her departure remain a closely guarded secret.
Sonia Fowler’s storylines have been some of the most memorable in EastEnders’ history. Currently, the character is pregnant with Reiss Colwell’s (Jonny Freeman) baby, unaware that he was responsible for his ex-wife Debbie’s death—a crime that Sonia herself was falsely accused of. Though she was later acquitted when her half-sister Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer) confessed on video, the harrowing ordeal added another layer of turmoil to her already eventful life. How Sonia’s story will conclude remains to be seen, but fans are bracing themselves for an emotional send-off.
Over the years, Sonia has been at the center of gripping narratives that have kept viewers hooked. From being bullied at school to dealing with the pressures of teenage pregnancy, her journey has been one of resilience and transformation.
Her complex relationship with Martin Fowler, the father of her child, has been a long-running saga filled with breakups, reconciliations, and heartbreak. Sonia’s career as a nurse and her unwavering support for her family have made her one of the show’s most beloved and relatable characters.
Cassidy’s history with EastEnders has seen her leave and return multiple times. She first exited the soap in 2007, made brief appearances between 2010 and 2011, and then returned for a longer stint in 2014.
This time, however, it seems her departure is final. EastEnders executive producer Chris Clenshaw praised Cassidy’s contribution to the show, calling her a “firm favorite amongst viewers.” He added, “Over the last 31 years, Natalie has been involved in some of the show’s most iconic and explosive storylines. While I won’t reveal the details of her exit, I can say that she will play a crucial role in the 40th-anniversary week, a time of truly unmissable drama that will change Walford forever.”
Beyond EastEnders, Cassidy has explored various ventures in television and media. She participated in Celebrity Big Brother in 2012, offering fans a glimpse into her life beyond the soap. More recently, she has found success in the world of podcasting, hosting Life With Nat and Off The Telly.
Her departure from Albert Square may mark the end of Sonia Fowler’s journey, but Cassidy’s career is far from over. Fans will be eager to see what she does next, whether on-screen or behind the mic.
As EastEnders prepares to bid farewell to one of its most enduring characters, fans are left to speculate on how Sonia Fowler’s story will conclude. Will she finally find peace, or will her exit be as dramatic as some of her past storylines? Regardless of how she leaves, there is no doubt that Sonia—and Natalie Cassidy—will be remembered as a key part of the show’s rich history.
