BBC/ITV/Composite: EastEnders Insider Share By Joel Harley Aug 4 2025 By Joel Harley Aug 4 2025 EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy reveals she's 'much happier' since leaving soap She played Sonia Fowler for 30 years Natalie Cassidy Sonia Fowler Share By Joel Harley Aug 4 2025 By Joel Harley Aug 4 2025 Former EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy has opened up about her recent exit from the soap, describing herself as ‘happier’ since she stepped back. Natalie, 42, played Sonia Fowler since 1993, and remained on screen for several lengthy stints over the years. Sonia departed Walford – apparently for good – earlier this year, riding off into the sunset with sister Bianca and daughters Bex and Julia. This came at the tail-end of a tumultous period in Walford for Sonia, who found herself in a relationship with bumbling murderer Reiss Colwell. After taking the blame for his murder of comatose wife Debbie, a stay behind bars beckoned for Sonia. She was let out after Reiss (bumblingly) framed Bianca for the crime, although the truth came out when Bianca escaped the soundproof cell where Reiss had been holding her hostage. With Reiss’s death (crushed by a falling bathtub) came Sonia’s own… and Natalie hasn’t looked back since. Sonia trumpeted off to Bianca earlier this year (Credit: BBC) EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy opens up about EastEnders exit Speaking to co-star Kellie Bright on an episode of her podcast, Life With Nat, Natalie reflected on her exit from the soap. Article continues below Read all the latest spoilers “I don’t miss it, I don’t. I miss the people. It’s full on,” Natalie said. She continued: “I do feel happier doing the things I’m doing now. I always feel like I have to say it, I loved it, I’m grateful for it but I did fall into it and that was that, and that’s what I did for 30 years, I don’t know if I was meant to do that.” Where in the world is Natalie Cassidy now? (Credit: ITV) What’s Natalie Cassidy up to now? Since leaving EastEnders, former Sonia Natalie launched her podcast, which she uses to “pick people’s brains on the subjects I care about.” In addition to Linda Carter star Kellie, all-star guests have included comedian Josh Pugh and TV personality Kate Thornton. She has also fronted her own consumer affairs programme for Channel 4, in the show What’ The Big Deal: Britain’s Best Buys. Episodes have seen her investigate LED face masks, home pizza ovens, and perfumes. The actress has also racked up recent appearances on The Masked Singer and Loose Women – all of which has been keeping her busier than ever. Read more: Who’s leaving, joining and returning to EastEnders? Complete list of cast exits, arrivals and returns. Share Good to Know Share By Joel Harley Aug 4 2025 By Joel Harley Aug 4 2025
