EastEnders’ Natalie Cassidy explains reason for quitting soap after 32 years of playing Sonia Fowler
EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy has opened up about her decision to quit the BBC One soap after 32 years
EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy has opened up about her decision to quit the BBC One soap after 32 years(Image: Getty Images)
EastEnders legend Natalie Cassidy has spilled the beans on her decision to bid farewell to the iconic BBC One soap after an impressive 32-year stint.
The 41-year-old actress, who’s been a staple as Sonia Fowler since 1993, left fans gutted last week when news broke that she’d be bowing out from Albert Square during the soap’s 40th anniversary celebrations, a choice she made last summer.
Natalie first set foot in Walford back in 1993 as a member of the Jackson clan, alongside her on-screen sister Bianca (Patsy Palmer). She took a break in 2007, popped back between 2010 and 2011, and then made a full-time comeback in 2014, where she’s been a regular fixture ever since.
Opening up to The Sun on Sunday about her exit, Natalie confessed: “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.”
EastEnders’ Sonia Fowler(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
She went on to say: “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”, reports the Manchester Evening News.
The star also acknowledged the uncertainty that comes with being an actor, admitting “you can’t hypothesise or worry about what’s going to happen to your character”, adding: “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’.”
As the unlucky-in-love, trumpet-playing Walford resident, Sonia has been involved in several big moments over the years. From teenage pregnancy to affairs and feuds, her time in Walford has not been short of drama. Especially at the moment, as recently, she found herself behind bars for a murder she didn’t commit.
Natalie Cassidy as Sonia Fowler in EastEnders(Image: BBC)
Fans will recall how her partner Reiss Colwell (Jonny Freeman) ended up k.i.l.l.i.n.g his ex-wife Debbie last year and pregnant Sonia was charged with the crime. Recently, a jury found her not guilty though – and she was released from prison.
Soap fans have been left devastated over the news as one person said: “Sorry I’m so sad that Sonia is leaving #Eastenders it keeps hitting me”, a different account put: “As a fan, I am sad that the show is losing a good character and a very fine actress, but I wish Natalie all the very best. Thanks for giving us Sonia @Nat_Cassidy” while another added: “So gutted! Sonia is such a great character! I will definitely miss her, Natalie Cassidy has been incredible #EastEnders.”
