Natalie Cassidy – who first played Sonia Fowler on EastEnders more than 30 years ago – has revealed that she filmed her final scenes for the BBC soap last week ahead of a makeover

Soap star Natalie Cassidy has showcased a new look that she’s opted for after filming her exit scenes for EastEnders.

Natalie, 41 – who is best known for playing Sonia Fowler – announced back in January that she would be leaving the BBC show soon. Her final scenes have yet to be broadcast but the actor recently confirmed that she “left” Elstree studios, where EastEnders is filmed, last week.

She’s shared that she decided to have a bit of a makeover as she embarks on the “next chapter” of her life following her departure. It’s included ditching her brunette locks and opting for red hair instead. She spoke about the decision with her pal Joanna Page, 47, who teased that she’s the “new Nat,” on their BBC Sounds podcast Off the Telly.

Introducing the episode, Joanna said: “Hello everyone and welcome to Off the Telly where [Natalie] is now showing off her new … oh my God … beautiful, red hair. It’s gorgeous.” Natalie then revealed that they were recording the podcast remotely on Saturday night and that her hairdresser would need to apply extensions and continue treatment after a break to record the episode, released on Wednesday.

Sharing her thoughts, Joanna said: “It looks really good.” Asked why she did it, Natalie said: “I went to the nail shop this morning to get new nails [and] I’ve got my hair done because yesterday I left EastEnders for good, Jo.” She later added: “I just feel really excited now for the next chapter”.

Joanna also asked: “I can’t believe that you’ve left. How many years has it been?” Natalie – who made her debut on EastEnders in 1993 – responded: “12 years this time round. And then I had an eight year gap, with sort of a few visits. And then before that it was sort of another 11 or 12 years. So all in all, yeah, roughly kind of 20, 22 to 24 years of service there.” She then teased: “And you never know. Never say never. But for now, it’s time for a nice big break, yeah!”

Natalie also showcased her new hair in a video shared on Instagram on Tuesday, in which she announced a project that will launch following her departure from EastEnders. She revealed that she’s written a book, Happy Days, and shared that it will be published later this year on her late mother Evelyn Cassidy’s birthday.

She told fans in the video: “I just thought I’d let you know that I’m doing a book. I’ve written one.” She added: “I’m doing my own book. I can’t believe it. It’s out on October 9. It’s called Happy Days and it’s all about my life, growing up on the tele, parenting, loss, joy – just loads of stuff, really. And I think you’re gonna really love it.”

Natalie continued: “It’s available now, if you click my link, you can preorder it anywhere you like. Which is quite exciting. It’s a bit early innit? But yeah, October 9th it’s out – which would have been my mum’s birthday so it’s a very special day. Yeah, that’s it. I’ve written a book. Happy days!”