Natalie Cassidy announced she would be leaving her role of Sonia Jackson on the BBC soap, leaving fans devastated as she departs her role after three decades

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.

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.

EastEnders fans were left shocked on Thursday night as Natalie Cassidy confirmed she is leaving the BBC One soap, 32 years after she made her Albert Square debut. Show boss Chris Clenshaw has teased Natalie's character Sonia Fowler has a "central role" to play in the soap's upcoming 40th anniversary week,

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