EastEnders’ Natalie Cassidy confirms shock twist for Sonia’s exit as unexpected character ‘comes out of woodworks’
Natalie has also landed herself a brand new job - and it couldn't be further away from Albert Square
EASTENDERS legend Natalie Cassidy has teased a jaw-dropping twist as Sonia Fowler bows out of Walford this week.
The soap star hinted that an unexpected character “comes out of the woodwork” in emotional scenes that will see Sonia’s storyline take a dramatic turn before her exit.
EastEnders favourite Natalie Cassidy is bowing out of the Square after 32 years – and Sonia is set to make an explosive exit
The soap legend’s final scenes promise everything fans could hope for: gut-wrenching choices, emotional goodbyes, blasts from the past – and one massive twist that’ll leave jaws on the floor.
Sonia’s world came crashing down after fiancé Reiss was unmasked as a cold-blooded k.i.l.l.e.r, bumping off his comatose wife and pinning it on her.
Now a true crime sensation, Sonia’s home has become a grim tourist attraction – and she’s desperate to get out.
But it’s not just creepy fans haunting her… someone from the shadows is about to step forward with a shocking revelation that could change everything.
Speaking about her exit, Natalie told RadioTimes.com: “This is a real shock for the viewers.
“Someone we’ve never seen before comes out of the woodwork which is a surprise for Sonia, Bianca and a few other characters.
“Sometimes in life you wonder, ‘why has the universe brought me that person at this moment?’ That’s where Sonia is. Maybe their arrival is a sign as to what to do next…
“Sonia’s last week is wonderful. It’s a real crescendo and a look back on her history which is nice. It did feel very final, though.
“I left in 2007, popped back a few times then came back permanently in 2014.
“This time it really was like I was saying goodbye.”
Natalie gave EastEnders bosses plenty of warning that she was ready to shut the door on Walford.
After more than three decades as trumpet-blowing Sonia, the fan fave is swapping the drama of Albert Square for a brand new adventure – one that doesn’t involve d.e.a.d wives, dodgy fiancés, or Square-sized scandals.
These days, Nat’s all about flexing her creative muscles away from acting. She’s fronting Channel 4’s What’s the Big Deal: Britain’s Best Buys? and chatting life, telly and everything in between on her hit podcasts Life with Nat and Off the Telly alongside pal Joanna Page.
She’s also looking forward to some much-needed quality time with her real-life nearest and dearest, telling pals she’s ready to “live a little.”
Natalie added: “Also, characters can get tired and it’s good to rest them for a while.
“I wouldn’t have the arrogance to say Sonia will be back one day, that’s not my choice, but you never know what’s around the corner.
“At the moment I’ve just left so I’m not thinking about that. Sonia is a part of everybody’s lives, she still has links to the Square and won’t be forgotten.”
The Sun exclusively revealed that Natalie is set to perform at a comedy gig in London after being invited along as a special guest.
She will be taking to the stage for Pappy’s Flatshare Slamdown.
The show will be a live recording of the popular podcast and will be in the format of its usual “hilarious and anarchic panel game”.
Natalie will be joined on stage by fellow guest, stand-up comedian, radio DJ and voice-over artist Leah Davis.
A blurb for Pappy’s Flatshare Slamdown reads: “Set in Pappy’s flat – with landlord Matthew in charge – each show sees unruly tenants Ben and Tom battle to avoid doing an annoying household chore.
“To help them in this exciting high-stakes contest they force their houseguests to take sides and help them fight it out over a number of stupid games.”
Pappy’s Flatshare Showdown is hosted by Matthew Crosby and its team captains are Ben Clark and Tom Parry.
The show that guest stars Natalie will take place at The Phoenix pub in Cavendish Square, London, on May 27.
General admission tickets cost just £12.62.
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One or watch from 6am on BBC iPlayer.
