Cast member Jacqueline Jossa has addressed the news that her colleague Natalie Cassidy is leaving EastEnders. It was announced on Thursday that Natalie, 41 - who plays Sonia Fowler - will be leaving the BBC show amid its 40th anniversary. The actor made her debut on the soap in 1993 and has left on a few occasions previously, though has been back on the show since 2014. The news has prompted reaction from fans and colleagues alike, including her co-star Jacqueline, 32, who plays Lauren Branning. She shared her thoughts on Natalie's departure in a post on her Instagram Story on Friday afternoon.
Jacqueline wrote: "It breaks my heart as a massive fan of the show but I can't wait to continue to watch you smash it my love [Natalie]. Always been an inspiration to me, so lucky to have worked with you and have you as a cousin on the best square around! Love you loads. It feels real now.". It comes after Natalie issued her own statement earlier this week. 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.".
She continued in the statement: "Thank you to [executive producer] 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.". Executive producer Chris has teased that Natalie will have a "central role" in the anniversary celebrations. He said: "I won't be revealing the [minute] 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.".
It has also been confirmed this week that the anniversary celebrations will include a "special hour-long episode" as well as the live episode. These are set to be broadcast next month on February 19 and 20 respectively. A post by the show has teased: "To officially mark the 40th years since EastEnders first aired on BBC One, the whole week of episodes will take place over one day, with a special hour-long episode transmitting on Wednesday 19th February, followed by a full live episode on Thursday 20th February which is set to change Walford, and the lives of those who live in it forever.".
