Natalie Cassidy drops major clue about EastEnders return with three-word comment
EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy, who played Sonia Fowler on the BBC One soap since 1993, has hinted at a possible comeback just months after her exit
Natalie Cassidy has hinted at a potential return to EastEnders
Natalie Cassidy has hinted at a potential return to EastEnders, leaving fans wondering when Sonia Fowler might be back in Albert Square. The 41-year-old actress, who recently stepped away from her long-standing role, spoke about her departure during an appearance on Saturday Kitchen and gave a cryptic response about her future on the soap.
Reflecting on her time as Sonia, Natalie shared: “I did 12 years, had an eight-year break, then another 12 years. So who knows? Maybe another eight years.” Natalie originally joined the cast in 1993 and exited in 2007, before making a full-time comeback in 2014.
While chatting with host Matt Tebbutt, she admitted she doesn’t quite feel like she’s left the show just yet. “Not just yet, it feels like I’m still on a break,” she explained. “It’s only been about a month.”
Natalie spoke about her future on the BBC One soap(Image: BBC)
When Matt pointed out that Sonia’s storyline had been left open-ended, Natalie expressed her relief: “I’m very, very grateful the door’s been left open. I really am.”
She also acknowledged that after such a long run, it was good for the character to take a break: “Sonia’s been in the show since 1993. People have grown up with her. It’s nice to rest a character for a while.”
When Natalie’s departure was first announced, fans speculated that Sonia might meet a tragic end during EastEnders’ dramatic 40th anniversary episodes.
While she survived, her ex-husband Martin (James Bye) and her former fiancé, Reiss (Jonny Freeman), both met their fates. Meanwhile, Sonia gave birth to her daughter, Julia, named after EastEnders co-creator Julia Smith.
Speaking about her exit, Natalie previously told fans: “I feel extremely sad to be writing this, but also very excited. After another 11 solid years back on The Square, I’ve decided it’s time to move on to pastures new.”
Natalie joined EastEnders as Sonia Fowler in 1993(Image: BBC/Firebird/Natalie Seery)
She reassured viewers that EastEnders will always be close to her heart, adding: “The show is in my bones, and I will never forget where I started my career. Sonia’s going, but never forgotten.”
Having first graced the screen as Sonia back in 1993, Natalie has been at the heart of many major plots, tackling issues from teen pregnancy to family strife and miscarriages of justice.
Despite leaving the show, Natalie is still keeping busy. She continues to host her own podcast and also presents Channel 4’s consumer programme What’s The Big Deal? where she tests out the latest gadgets.
Saturday Kitchen airs Saturdays from 10am on BBC One.
