EastEnders’ Natalie Cassidy breaks silence with major announcement just days before soap exit
Natalie Cassidy has played Sonia Fowler on EastEnders since 1993, but she is set to take a break from the soap as her character leaves Walford to start a new life
Natalie Cassidy decided it’s time to bid farewell to the role she first started in 1993(Image: Gareth Cattermole, Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
EastEnders actress Natalie Cassidy has expressed her honour after announcing some significant career news just days before her departure from the soap.Natalie has portrayed Sonia Fowler since 1993, starting when she was just 10 years old. During her time on Albert Square, she has evolved into one of the show’s most beloved characters.
Apart from a seven-year break between 2007 and 2017, audiences have been captivated by Sonia’s transformation from a young trumpet player to a devoted mother. Unfortunately, Thursday night (April 17) will mark Sonia’s exit from Walford as she seeks to move past a difficult phase that included the d.e.a.t.h of her ex-husband Martin Fowler and the wicked Reiss Cowell.
Fans are gutted to say goodbye to Sonia(Image: BBC/Firebird/Natalie Seery)
It seems Sonia might be relocating to Bali, with her father Terry Cant making an appearance this week after being absent from her life for over three decades.
Even though fans are preparing for a tearful farewell, Natalie’s announcement indicates she’ll remain in the public eye as she explores new career paths.
On Easter Monday (April 21), Natalie will host her own special programme on Virgin radio from 1pm to 4pm.
Ahead of her show, Natalie shared: “I’m very excited. This year I’m trying to branch out and do brave things, and this is one of them, and I feel very honoured to have been given a chance on Virgin Radio.
“I’m a very big fan of the station and music in general. So to actually come in and do my own show feels very daunting, but there’s a first time for everything.”
It’s been a tough year as two Eastenders icons have left(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
The former EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy is buzzing to bring Oasis to the airwaves in her debut radio show, saying, “I would love to play Oasis for my first show, just a track, because I love them to pieces. Amy Winehouse is always a good one as well. Valerie, it’s a karaoke family classic.”
When quizzed about her usual bank holiday antics, Natalie revealed that such days off were rare treats thanks to her hectic BBC roster, sharing, “Back in EastEnders we’d be filming, we didn’t really have bank holidays. What holiday? I’d be at home with the kids, relaxing probably.
“I say relaxing, I don’t really sit down. I’d probably be cleaning and doing the washing.”
she adds, portraying the image of a day filled with less rest and more house chores.
Dennie Morris, esteemed Director of Audio for News Broadcasting expressed his excitement: “It’s an honour to welcome national treasure Natalie Cassidy to Virgin Radio for this special show – and I’m delighted she’s such a big fan of the station.”
