Natalie Cassidy, who has portrayed Sonia Fowler on EastEnders since 1993, has made it clear that she would not take kindly to the recasting of her iconic character.
As the 41-year-old actress prepares to leave the BBC soap in the coming weeks,
she expressed strong feelings about the prospect of someone else taking on the role she has held for over three decades.
In a candid interview, Cassidy joked that if EastEnders bosses ever decided to recast Sonia, she would be so furious that she’d consider bringing a “sledgehammer” to the studio.
“If they recast Sonia, I’m going to Borehamwood with a sledgehammer,” she said, referencing the location of the EastEnders studios. “I feel very protective about Sonia.”
Cassidy’s passion for the role is evident, and her attachment to the character is deep. Sonia Fowler is one of the most enduring characters in the show’s history,
and Cassidy is the only actress to have ever portrayed her. This makes her attachment to the role even more significant, as she has spent a large portion of her life bringing Sonia to the screen.
The End of an Era
Natalie Cassidy’s departure from EastEnders marks the end of an era for the character of Sonia Fowler, who has been a staple of the show since its early days. Sonia has had a long and complex journey on Albert Square, from her teenage years to her adult life, which has seen her through relationships, family struggles, and numerous life-changing events.
In a heartfelt statement earlier this year, Cassidy confirmed her decision to leave the show. “After another 11 solid years back on the Square, I have decided it’s time to move on to pastures new,” she explained. “EastEnders is in my bones, so I will never forget where I started my career and I will continue to love the show.”
Cassidy first appeared on EastEnders in 1993 and became a beloved figure on the show. She left the series in 2007 but returned to the role in 2010, before making her most recent return in 2014. As Sonia’s departure looms, Cassidy reflects on her long tenure, grateful for the opportunity to be part of EastEnders’ milestone moments, including the 40th anniversary celebrations.
The Possibility of Sonia’s Death
As for what might happen to Sonia after her departure, Cassidy acknowledges that her character’s exit could be abrupt. “She could die off-screen,” she said with a hint of humor. “We could be watching it one night, and you know the old phone call: Cathy runs in saying, ‘Ian, I’ve just had a message, Sonia’s dead.’ That could easily happen.”
Despite the possibility of a more permanent exit, Cassidy also expressed hope that she could return for special occasions. “But I do hope, like for the 50th anniversary, that I could pop back,” she said, referring to EastEnders’ upcoming 50th anniversary in 2035. This hints that even though her time on the soap may be coming to an end, Cassidy’s connection to Sonia could still live on in the future.
The Legacy of Sonia Fowler
Sonia Fowler’s departure will undoubtedly leave a void in EastEnders, as she has been a constant presence on the Square for over 30 years. Cassidy’s portrayal of Sonia has made the character a fan favorite, and her storylines have ranged from heartwarming to heartbreaking, often dealing with themes of family, loss, and resilience.
However, Cassidy’s feelings about recasting Sonia are understandable given her long tenure in the role. Over the years, many characters on EastEnders have been recast, with notable examples including Ben Mitchell, played by multiple actors since his debut in 1996. The most recent recast of Ben was Max Bowden, who currently plays the character. Another high-profile recast involved Sam Mitchell, who was originally portrayed by Daniella Westbrook before being taken over by Kim Medcalf.
Despite these recasts, Cassidy’s strong attachment to Sonia suggests that no one else could take on the role without significant backlash. For Cassidy, Sonia is more than just a character—she’s part of her identity, and the idea of someone else stepping into her shoes is a sentiment she simply cannot entertain.
A Farewell, But Not Goodbye
As Natalie Cassidy bids farewell to EastEnders, she leaves behind a legacy that will not soon be forgotten. Fans of the show have witnessed Sonia’s growth from a young, vulnerable girl into a resilient and compassionate woman. While Cassidy’s time with the character is coming to an end, her departure will undoubtedly be a bittersweet moment for both the actress and the audience who have followed her journey for over three decades.
Though Sonia may not return for good after Cassidy’s departure, her legacy on Albert Square is secure. Whether through a phone call announcing her death or a brief return in a future anniversary special, one thing is clear: Sonia Fowler, as portrayed by Natalie Cassidy, will always be a part of the EastEnders story.
Cassidy’s departure is undoubtedly the end of an era for the character, but as she herself said, EastEnders will always hold a special place in her heart. With a sledgehammer or not, Sonia’s story may be coming to a close—but the impact of the character, and Cassidy’s performance, will be felt for years to come.
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