Natalie Cassidy, who has played Sonia Fowler on EastEnders for more than three decades, is preparing to bid farewell to Walford.
The 41-year-old actress confirmed her departure earlier this year, but details surrounding Sonia’s exit storyline remain tightly under wraps.
Throughout her time on the show, Sonia has been at the center of numerous dramatic plots,
from her tumultuous relationships to her recent imprisonment and connection to murderer Reiss Colwell, played by Jonny Freeman.
One of her most notable recent moments came in February, during a live episode that saw her giving birth to her daughter, Julia.
While it remains unclear how Sonia will leave Albert Square, there is plenty of speculation about what lies ahead for Natalie Cassidy.
Many believe that her departure from EastEnders could open the door to exciting television opportunities, with some suggesting that she might be headed for reality TV. After making an impression on The Masked Singer earlier this year, rumors have been circulating that she could be a potential contestant on ITV’s hit show I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! when it returns in November.
Industry insiders believe that joining the jungle could be a brilliant move for Natalie. PR expert Lynn Carratt has weighed in on her career prospects, suggesting that the soap star may explore a path in TV presenting or podcast hosting rather than focusing solely on acting. According to Carratt, Natalie’s well-documented love for gardening could even lead to opportunities in lifestyle television, possibly in the vein of Charlie Dimmock’s career. She speculated that Natalie could front a revitalized version of the beloved gardening show Ground Force, which could be a natural fit given her interests.
Although leaving EastEnders means saying goodbye to a reported annual salary of £150,000, Carratt believes that Natalie’s decision could prove highly lucrative in the long run. She pointed out that while the BBC offers steady employment, venturing into new areas of the entertainment industry could see Natalie significantly increasing her earnings. With a strong social media following of over half a million, she could easily command brand partnerships worth upwards of £5,000 per post.
Beyond television, Natalie has already found success in the podcasting world. She co-hosts two popular podcasts: Life with Nat, which she presents alongside her fiancé Marc, and Off The Telly, which she hosts with Gavin & Stacey actress Joanna Page. Both projects have given her a platform beyond acting, paving the way for even more media opportunities.
Following the announcement of her EastEnders departure, Natalie expressed deep gratitude for the role that has been a defining part of her career. She stated: “After another 11 solid years back on the square, I have decided it’s time to move on to new pastures. EastEnders is in my bones, so I will never forget where I started my career, and I will continue to love the show.”
She also took a moment to thank the show’s executive producer, Chris Clenshaw, for allowing her to play a major role in the soap’s recent milestone: “Thank you to Chris Clenshaw for the opportunity to be such a big part of the 40th anniversary – it’s an honour. See you, Sonia, going but never forgotten.”
As fans await Sonia Fowler’s farewell scenes, it is clear that Natalie Cassidy is looking ahead to an exciting new chapter in her career. Whether she ends up in the I’m A Celebrity jungle, on a gardening show, or leading a new wave of television projects, her next move is sure to be watched with great interest. One thing is certain—she is leaving EastEnders with an enduring legacy and a bright future ahead.
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