EastEnders Sonia Fowler star Natalie Cassidy teases return before exit has even aired

EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy teased her future on the long-running soap before her exit even aired.

Last night, fans held their breath as chaos unfurled in the Queen Vic for the 40th-anniversary live special. Natalie’s character, Sonia, gave birth surrounded by the catastrophic chaos of the explosion from the Vic – which they hadn’t been able to escape. Not only that, the father of Sonia’s baby, Reiss Colwell was crushed right in front of them.

Sonia told Lauren Branning and Bianca Jackson she had two names in mind, Julia and Toni, “Tony with an i.” Poor Sonia spent a lot of the episode in labour with Lauren and Bianca on hand to supply tea towels, booze and encouragement. “One more push like you’re blowing your trumpet,” Bianca told her as the baby was born, before she realised the baby was turning blue and Sonia was also incredibly weak.

Luckily the baby let out a scream, and Sonia and baby Julia were both okay and safely in an ambulance at the end of the episode. Just last month, Natalie announced she would be leaving the soap after three decades. After the special episode aired last night, Natalie took to her Instagram to tease her future on the show.

Along with a picture of her fake pregnant belly on set, she wrote: “Well. That’s that then. For the last 10 days I have lived and breathed the live episode. I’m so honoured to have been given the opportunity to be a part of it. To give birth and to sit in an ambulance alone and put @kleelauren words over the most beautiful and sad pictures in real time will be something I’ll never forget. @camera_marc – I’m so proud of you and what you achieved- what a thing to do together.

“Thanks to my @bethstanton_ for being my dresser and friend- couldn’t have done it without your support. And to @sophevs_1991 for my make up- the hour in the chair with you was so special each day. My girls- my family- @jacjossa @patsypalmerofficial what a trio I love you so much. @jimmybye love you and it’s not goodbye just see you outside- you’re phenomenal.

” @laceyturner – you’re super human- having a beautiful baby girl and then doing what you did last night is a miracle that only you could do- awe inspiring. @chris_clenshaw – you smashed it and thank you. And @lancekneeshaw last but not least- you are so special and directed this week like no one else could.”

Teasing her return, she said: “And for every single person from @bbceastenders – what a family we all are. See you for the 45th?”