EastEnders bosses have teased Natalie Cassidy's 'unmissable' exit from the show which will 'change the lives' of the residents of Walford. Natalie, who plays Sonia Fowler on the BBC series, announced this week she's 'moving on to pastures new' after 32 years on Albert Square. She said in a statement: "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." On Friday afternoon, EastEnders paid tribute to the actress and teased her explosive exit. Along with a picture of her, they wrote on X/ Twitter : "Natalie Cassidy is leaving #EastEnders, 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 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. Speaking of her being killed off next month, a source claimed to The Sun: "It would be a proper soap shocker if she was to die during the 40th but equally it will be one that viewers will never ever forget." They added: "Bosses have pulled out all the stops to make the soap's big 40th the most dramatic and unforgettable week in the history of EastEnders.".

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.". Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads. Don't miss out on the biggest soaps gossip! Get a daily email direct to your inbox with our newsletter.