EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy has officially left the show, after over 30 years playing Sonia Fowler.
The actress announced her departure from the BBC soap in January, and her final scenes aired on Thursday night.
The episode saw Sonia, her daughters Bex (Jasmine Armfield) and newborn baby Julia, and her friend Bianca Jackson, played by Patsy Palmer, head to Bali after stealing Sonia’s father Terry Cant’s (Glen Davies) plane tickets, car, and boat.
As Sonia, Bianca and Bex blow out of Walford, The Square will be a little quieter and a little bit emptier without them. Watch the whole episode now 👉 https://t.co/F1UUD6wHGG #EastEnders pic.twitter.com/9BAjCB5DfG
— BBC EastEnders (@bbceastenders) April 17, 2025
Before leaving, Sonia left flowers for her ex-husband Martin (James Bye), who tragically died during the soap’s 40th anniversary live episode.
Natalie first appeared on EastEnders as Sonia back in 1993.
She later left the show in 2007, before returning briefly between 2010 and 2011, and returned to Albert Square once again in 2014.
In a behind the scenes video posted to the official EastEnders Instagram account after the scenes aired, Natalie said: “So the day and time has come for Sonia to leave the Square. It’s all a bit last minute, it’s all a bit of a rush but it’s time for a new adventure.”
Patsy Palmer, who was also filming her final scenes, added: “To be leaving with her [Natalie Cassidy] on her storyline is absolutely amazing. It just feels really special and lovely.”
After an emotional speech from executive producer Chris Clenshaw, Natalie delivered her own speech to the rest of the cast. “You know how much I live you all, I’m really going to miss you all, and I really don’t like speeches so thank you.”
Thanking fans at the end of the video, Natalie teased her possible return to the soap someday.
“Thank you for watching Sonia, I love her with all my heart and you never know what’s going to happen,” she added.
