EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy will give up a huge salary when she leaves the BBC soap. Natalie has played Sonia Jackson on the BBC show for over three decades but she will be bidding farewell to the programme in some huge upcoming scenes. It has not been confirmed when or how Sonia will depart Walford. However, at present, we know she is pregnant with killer Reiss Colwell's baby and unaware that he was responsible for the death of his wife Debbie, which she was in the frame for – and he has been keeping Bianca Jackson locked away.

In a statement to announce her departure, she said she would "never forget" her time on the show. She shared: "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.".

It has not been confirmed when Sonia will leave but Natalie hinted she was a big part of the 40th anniversary, which will air next month when the soap celebrates a huge four decades on screen. Storylines are being kept secret but it looks like Sonia's departure could form a big part of the show's anniversary, which will also see the exit of showrunner Chris Clenshaw. Natalie has been on the soap for 32 years and is reportedly paid a £150,000 salary each year for her part as Sonia. As well as that, the actress also earned extra money appearing on Strictly Come Dancing in 2009 and her stint on Celebrity Big Brother in 2019.

According to reports, Natalie has a net worth of around £5 million and is one of the show's highest earners, only reportedly falling behind the likes of Steve McFadden, who plays Phil Mitchell on the soap, who is said to be on £200,000 and Adam Woodyatt (Ian Beale) who is believed to be on the same £200k wage. Letitia Dean (Sharon Watts) is also said to be on £150,000 whilst over on Coronation Street, Ken Barlow star Bill Roache reportedly earns a whopping £250,000 a year, with Jack P Shepherd (David Platt) on a similar amount. Barbara Knox (Rita Tanner) reportedly earns £200,000 a year. In Emmerdale, Claire King (Kim Tate) is said to be the biggest earner on £230,000 each year and Chris Chittell, who plays Eric Pollard, and Emma Atkins (Charity Dingle), said to be on £200,000. Jeff Hordley - who plays Cain - is reportedly on the same.

Natalie also earned £100,000 for her fitness DVD called Then & Now, which showed how she lost four stone. She also released a second fitness DVD, The Perfect 10, back in 2013 but previously spoke of her regrets. "It's my own fault. They offered me a load of money to lose weight and I did it at the time. Actually looking back it is something that I wouldn't do," she said, before admitting she gained the weight back after the contract expired.

The actress also has her own podcast, called Life With Nat, which she launched in April last year. The description of the podcast reads: "Life with Nat - it’s me! Natalie Cassidy and I’ll be chatting away to family, friends and most importantly - YOU. "I want to pick peoples brains on the subjects that I care about- whether that’s where all the odd socks go, weight and food or kids on phones. Each week I will be letting you into my life as i chat about my week, share my thoughts on the mundane happenings as well as the serious. I have grown up in the public eye and have never changed because of it.".