EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy has one demand for bosses after sad exit
EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy - who played Sonia Fowler on the BBC soap - has joked she would "take a sledgehammer" to the set if she was ever recast following her exit
After the legendary week of anniversary celebrations for EastEnders, one star says they would rampage the iconic set “with sledgehammer” if she was recast after exit.
Natalie Cassidy quipped she would take down Elstree Studios in Borehamwood “with a sledgehammer” if the BBC soap ever recasts her character, Sonia Fowler. Having filmed her final scenes as Sonia, she has experienced wild storylines throughout her 32 years on air in Walford – the most memorable being her teenage pregnancy and her later-in-life bisexuality.
In the most recent episodes, Sonia Fowler was seen to be stuck in prison, waiting for the trial of the m.u.r.d.e.r of Debbie Colwell – to whom she has been accused of, even though fiancé Reiss Colwell is guilty. In the name of justice, Sonia is let go, soon realising Reiss is responsible after her release.
Sonia Fowler found herself in jail of suspicion of the m.u.r.d.e.r of Debbie Colwell ( Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
In the 40th anniversary live episode, Sonia became the lead storyline as she gave birth trapped under the rubble of the burned down Queen Vic. The actress has shared that she refuses for this to be the last anniversary she celebrates and that she imagines “popping back” for the show’s 50th, according to The Sun.
In the spirit of the show’s recent dramatics, Natalie added that she would rather her three-decade long character be killed off-screen than see another actress be recast on her role. She said: “If they recast Sonia, I’m going to Borehamwood with a sledgehammer – I feel very protective about Sonia”.
“We could be watching it one night and you know the old phone call: Kathy runs in saying, ‘Ian, I’ve just had a message, Sonia’s d.e.a.d!'” Believing that could “easily happen,” she has yet to confirm how she will be leaving the show, with Albert Square producers joining her in being as secretive as ever.
Natalie’s career took off with the BBC soap, who she’s been with for 32 years (
BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
However, Natalie has revealed her newest project, a far cry from her acting in Walford. The actress shared her newest pursuit to be writing, having written a book called Happy Days. Declaring it to be a “dream come true,” Natalie posted onto her Instagram, informing fans that the book would be published in October and is a autobiography “all about her life, growing up on the telly, parenting, loss, [and] joy”.
Friend Patsy Palmer, who plays Bianca Jackson, posted a wholesome tribute to her sister co-star, saying: “Thanks to all my beautiful @bbceastenders family for a wonderful few months of love and history making. Honoured to have been part of it. @natcass1 I’ll miss my sis!” tagging Natalie in honour of their on-screen reunion and return to the square. Patsy also posted in recognition of her EastEnders character, captioning a photo of her Albert Square alter-ego: “Bye bye B. Always grateful to see her again,” referring to her huge return for the anniversary special.
