Natalie Cassidy, who has played Sonia Jackson on EastEnders for 32 years, has announced she is leaving the BBC soap after 11 years back on the Square
EastEnders stalwart Natalie Cassidy is set to depart from the iconic soap after an impressive 32-year run.
The actress, famous for portraying Sonia Jackson for over three decades, will draw the curtain on her time at Albert Square post the BBC show’s 40th-anniversary celebrations. The news was announced on Thursday night and came as a shock to many EastEnders fans.
However, signs Natalie was ready to bid farewell to soap world have been glaring obvious for several months now. The 41-year-old actress has been pursuing projects away from Albert Square for some time now and is seemingly ready for a fresh challenge.
In addition to appearing on our TV screens, Natalie has been popping up on podcasts recently and launched her own audio project last year, titled Life with Nat. In addition to her solo podcast, Natalie also hosts BBC Sounds’ Off The Telly with Gavin & Stacey actress Joanna Page.
After 32 years playing Sonia, it looks like Natalie fancies a new acting challenge and broaden her horizons. The soap legend appeared on beloved BBC comedy Motherland in 2021, hinting at her readiness for new challenges by portraying Ms Vaughn in the ‘School Trip’ episode.
Natalie also appeared in BBC’s comedy ‘Mandy’ in 2020 as Donna Bell and has since enjoyed stints as a guest panelist on ITV’s ‘Loose Women’, showcasing her versatility and hinting at further projects in the pipeline. In July last year, word got out that she’d be stepping away from Albert Square to host Channel 4’s new lifestyle programme ‘What’s The Big Deal? The actress, along with Alan Cumming, will be joining the second series of Boarders, which is set to air later this year on BBC.
Currently, Sonia’s character is embroiled in a dramatic storyline where she’s pregnant with killer Reiss Colwell’s baby, oblivious to the fact he’s responsible for his ex-wife’s death. Although charged for the murder, Sonia was acquitted when Reiss presented a video of her sister Bianca confessing to the crime.
Natalie, who joined EastEnders as a child star at 10, expressed mixed emotions as she announced her exit on Thursday night : “I feel extremely sad to be writing this, but also very excited. After another 11 solid years back on The Square, I have decided it’s time to move on to pastures new.
“EastEnders is in my bones so I will never forget where I started my career and I will continue to love the show. Thank you to Chris Clenshaw for the opportunity to be such a big part of the 40th anniversary – it’s an honour.” Bidding adieu to her beloved character, she affirmed: “See ya, Sonia, going but never forgotten.”
The final scenes featuring Natalie will be shot around February during the much-anticipated 40th anniversary week. Word has it that she confided her intention to exit the soap to the bosses last summer. An insider disclosed to The Sun about a potential major twist in EastEnders involving a character’s demise next month: “It would be a proper soap shocker if she was to die during the 40th but equally it will be one that viewers will never ever forget.”
Regarding Natalie’s departure, boss Chris Clenshaw confirmed, “Over the last 31 years in EastEnders, Natalie has been involved in some of the show’s most iconic and explosive storylines. Her portrayal of Sonia has made her a firm fan favourite amongst the viewers.”
He steered clear of detailing her exit specifics but teased that Natalie’s character, Sonia, “will take a central role in the 40th anniversary storylines in a week of truly unmissable drama that will change the lives of those in Walford forever. I’d like to thank Natalie for her time at EastEnders, and I wish her all the best for the future.”
