Natalie Cassidy, widely recognized for her role as Sonia Fowler, has confirmed her departure from the BBC soap EastEnders after more than three decades of stellar performances. The 41-year-old actress expressed her feelings of sadness and excitement about leaving the show she has called home since 1993. This decision coincides with the much-anticipated 40th anniversary of EastEnders, with Cassidy’s final scenes scheduled to air around the milestone week commencing February 17, 2025.
Announcing her exit, Cassidy stated, "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 honor. See you, Sonia, going but never forgotten." This heartfelt message reveals Cassidy’s deep connection to the show and her character.
Throughout her 32-year tenure, Cassidy has played Sonia Fowler through various significant storylines, engaging fans and making her character a beloved figure within the EastEnders community. Sonia's evolution saw her tackle complex issues such as teenage pregnancy and the struggle against bullying, making her one of the soap's more relatable characters. With her portrayal spanning from 1993 to 2007 and then returning from 2014 onward, Cassidy has become synonymous with the role.
Chris Clenshaw, the show's executive producer, commented on Cassidy's impact, stating, "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 favorite among viewers. I won’t be providing the finite details relating to her exit, but I can say she will take a central role in the 40th anniversary storylines... I’d like to thank Natalie for her time at EastEnders, and I wish her all the best for the future." Clenshaw's words underline the significance of Cassidy's departure, indicating it will be prominently felt within the series.
Current storylines involving Sonia add suspense to her exit; her character is pregnant with Reiss Colwell’s (Jonny Freeman) baby, unaware of the dark secret surrounding her partner’s violent past, which includes the murder of his ex-wife. Although Sonia was charged with the murder, she was acquitted after evidence emerged showcasing her sister Bianca's (Patsy Palmer) confession. The layers of drama surrounding her exit promise to engage viewers as they watch the final developments of her storyline.
While Cassidy’s exit is bittersweet for fans, there are hints she has been preparing for this transition for some time. She has actively pursued various projects outside of EastEnders, including her own podcast titled Life with Nat, and co-hosting BBC Sounds' Off The Telly. Her forays beyond the soap world suggest she is ready for new challenges and opportunities.
Besides her podcasting ventures, Cassidy has also appeared on other television shows, including the beloved BBC comedy Motherland, hinting at her desire to embrace diverse roles. On EastEnders, her departure arrives amid substantial promotions for the series’ 40th anniversary, during which not only will she conclude her own chapter, but also other long-standing characters are expected to face pivotal storylines.
The upcoming anniversary will feature returning favorites, such as Phil Mitchell’s brother Grant Mitchell, played by Ross Kemp, after nearly ten years away from the show. The festivities will not only celebrate 40 years of EastEnders but also highlight its influential role within British television, tackling difficult societal issues through its storylines.
To honor four decades of storytelling, the BBC will release a one-hour documentary titled EastEnders: 40 Years on the Square. Fronted by Kemp himself, this special will explore the show's rich history and its cultural impact, offering viewers insights with some treasured cast members. The documentary will revisit significant moments from the series, including trailblazing LGBTQ milestones and heartbreaking narratives surrounding HIV, abuse, and more.
Reflecting on the documentary's importance, Kemp emphasized, "It was a privilege to be asked to present this documentary, celebrating 40 years of EastEnders. During the making of it, I was constantly reminded of the impact EastEnders has, not only on the cast and everyone working on the show, but also on the audience, as well as the effect it has had culturally within the United Kingdom..." This theme underlines how Cassidy's exit coincides with the show's reflective period.
With Cassidy's departure set against this significant backdrop, the emotional farewell promises not only to serve as her conclusion but as part of the fabric of EastEnders' history. The actress's evolution as Sonia has paralleled the show’s own significant milestones; her departure will undoubtedly affect audiences who have witnessed her character’s growth over the years.
Indeed, as the countdown to February 2025 draws near, viewers eagerly await the celebration of the show’s rich legacy—and the poignant farewell of one of its most beloved characters, Sonia Fowler. This chapter may be closing for Cassidy, but her contributions to EastEnders will echo long after her final bow on the iconic Square.