Natalie Cassidy has shared her thoughts on leaving EastEnders. The actress, who has portrayed Sonia Jackson for over three decades, is set to depart the BBC soap.

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.

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

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

EastEnders fans are convinced that Sonia Fowler will be killed off after Natalie Cassidy quit the BBC soap this week after nearly 32 years on the soap as the trumpet-playing character