Iconic EastEnders star quits show after 32 years on BBC soap

An EastEnders icon has announced she is quitting the BBC soap after almost 32 years. Natalie Cassidy has announced her exit from Albert Square in a new statement.

The actress, who plays Sonia Jackson, will bid farewell to the soap after first appearing in 1993, once the BBC show's 40th anniversary celebrations conclude. Her character is currently pregnant with killer Reiss Colwell's baby unaware that he was the one who killed off his ex-wife and let her take the blame.

She was charged with the crime, but a jury soon found her not-guilty of murder after Reiss produced a clip of Sonia's sister Bianca confessing to the murder.

As reported in the Sun, Natalie, who first appeared on screens as a 10-year-old, said: "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. See ya, Sonia, going but never forgotten."

Natalie will be filming her final scenes of the show in February around the highly-anticipated 40th anniversary week. She reportedly told bosses of her decision to leave last summer, reports the Mirror.

Fans were shocked by the news, with one user writing on social media: "Oh, this is sad." Another upset user said: "Just confirmed:- Natalie Cassidy is leaving as Sonia Fowler during the 40th anniversary week. They can't kill her off."

Speaking about Natalie's depature, boss Chris Clenshaw announced: "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.

"I won't be revealing the finite details relating to her exit, but I can say that she 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."