EastEnders fans are in for a dramatic twist as bosses hint at an explosive exit for Natalie Cassidy - one that will send shockwaves through Walford. Having first graced Albert Square in 1993 as Sonia Fowler, she has become a beloved presence over the decades. Now, after 32 years, the actress has confirmed she's saying goodbye to the BBC soap. She said in a statement on Friday: '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.'. EastEnders fans are in for a dramatic twist as bosses hint at an explosive exit for Natalie Cassidy 's character, Sonia Fowler - one that will send shockwaves through Walford.

After first arriving in Albert Square in 1993, Sonia has been a beloved character for decades, but now, after 32 years, Natalie has confirmed she is leaving the BBC soap. After her announcement, bosses honoured Natalie and hinted at a dramatic and unforgettable exit for her character. Along with a picture of her, they wrote on X: 'Natalie Cassidy is leaving, more than three decades after her first appearance as Sonia Fowler. Chris Clenshaw has said of Natalie's departure: '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 [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. 'I'd like to thank Natalie for her time at EastEnders, and I wish her all the best for the future'.'.

Natalie is set to film her final EastEnders scenes in February, coinciding with the soap’s much-anticipated 40th anniversary celebrations. Reports suggest the actress informed show bosses of her decision to depart last summer, giving them ample time to craft an unforgettable exit storyline. With decades of history in Albert Square, her character’s departure is bound to leave a lasting impact on Walford’s residents.

It comes after it was revealed why BBC bosses are reportedly reeling over Natalie's sudden departure departure from the soap. Natalie first joined EastEnders in 1993 when she was just 10 years old and remained with the show until 2007 (pictured in 1999). The actress announced on Friday that she will be leaving the BBC soap for good following her return last year for its 40th anniversary (pictured in 2024).

Natalie first joined EastEnders when she was just 10 years old and remained with the show until 2007. She returned as Sonia for a year in 2010 and then returned again last year. The star's character Sonia Fowler is a beloved fan-favourite and according to The Sun, bosses are 'well aware of Natalie's popularity'. A source told the publication: 'Her much-loved character has been a mainstay of Albert Square for over 30 years, and they envisioned her filling the huge hole left by Dot by becoming the Walford stalwart and busybody, who locals would go to for gossip and also advice.

Dot was played by the late June Brown, who was the nation's sweetheart in the iconic BBC soap for nearly 40 years. June passed away aged 95 of natural causes in April 2022 and her character was honoured with her own send off as the cast of Albert Square gathered for Dot's funeral that year. The source added: 'But incredibly, despite being engrossed by EastEnders for three quarters of her life, Natalie has managed to grow a profile outside of the soap and has become too big for it.'.

MailOnline has contacted the BBC for comment. Natalie's character is currently pregnant with killer Reiss Calwell's baby, unaware that he murdered his ex-wife Debbie, a crime Sonia was charged with. A source said bosses 'envisioned her filling the huge hole left by Dot by becoming the Walford stalwart and busybody' (June Brown pictured as Dot in 2009). A source told the publication: 'Her much-loved character has been a mainstay of Albert Square for over 30 years, and they envisioned her filling the huge hole left by Dot'.

A jury found her not guilty after Reiss managed to produce a video of her sister, Bianca Butcher, falsely confessing to the killing. Natalie reportedly told bosses she was planning on leaving EastEnders last summer. Rumours are now rife that Sonia will be killed off in the upcoming 40th anniversary week to give viewers a storyline they will never forget. Natalie has branched out beyond Albert Square many times in her career. During her break from the show, she appeared in theatre productions of The Vagina Monologues and Bedroom Farce.