EastEnders legend Natalie Cassidy quits soap after playing Sonia Fowler for nearly 32 years

ok.co.uk:

Natalie Cassidy is saying a tearful goodbye to EastEnders and the iconic Sonia Jackson character after a remarkable 32-year stint in Albert Square.The drama doesn't end as her character, Sonia, who is expecting the child of the murderer Reiss Colwell, remains oblivious that he's responsible for his ex's death.

Clearing her name from a wrongful murder charge, thanks to Reiss's footage showing Bianca's confession, the plot thickens. Natalie, gracing our screens since she was just 10, shared her emotions over her exit: In a statement given to The Sun, she 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." She added: "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, reportedly producers of her departure plans last summer, reports the Mirror.