Actress Natalie Cassidy is to leave EastEnders, more than three decades after her first appearance on the soap as Sonia Fowler. In a statement the 41-year-old said she was "extremely sad" but also "very excited" to be moving on.

The 41-year-old actress, who plays Sonia Fowler, said she is "extremely sad" but also "very excited" to leave the BBC soap. Her exit will be part of the programme's 40th anniversary.

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 murderer Reiss Colwell,

EastEnders legend Natalie Cassidy to leave BBC soap after more than 30 years as Sonia Fowler - Her final scenes will air in the show’s 40th anniversary week

NATALIE Cassidy could be set for a major reality TV appearance after her shock EastEnders exit. The Sun revealed yesterday that the Sonia Fowler actress was leaving the soap after 32 years and she

Natalie Cassidy has played Sonia Fowler in EastEnders on and off for 32 years but has confirmed she'll be leaving the soap - here's what we know about her life away from

BBC EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy has announced she is quitting the hit soap after 31 years of playing Sonia

EastEnders Natalie Cassidy revealed this week she has quit the soap - and fans are certain it's not going to end well for her character Sonia Fowler

Natalie Cassidy is set to bid farewell to EastEnders, nearly 32 years since her first appearance. The 41 year old actress, better known as Sonia Fowler, will depart from Walford next month during the soap's 40th anniversary celebrations.