EastEnders’ Natalie Cᴀssidy has revealed that the door is not permanently closed for her character Sonia Fowler after she quit the soap. 

The actress, 41, who played the role for 32 years, announced she will be leaving the show following her return last year for its 40th anniversary.

Natalie appeared on Saturday Kitchen, where she discussed her recent departure from EastEnders and the possibility of a return.

When asked if she missed the show, Natalie said: ‘Not yet, it feels like I’m sort of on a break because I’ve only been gone about a month or so.’

She confirmed she had not been written out permanently, adding: ‘I’m very, very grateful that the door’s been left open. You never know. But it’s nice to rest characters as well.’

Reflecting on her long ᴀssociation with the soap, she said: ‘Sonia’s been around since 1993. People have grown up with her. It’s nice to have a rest.’

EastEnders’ Natalie Cᴀssidy has revealed that the door is not permanently closed for Sonia Fowler after she quit the soap 

The actress, 41, who played the role for 32 years, announced she will be leaving the BBC soap for good following her return last year for its 40th anniversary (pictured in 1999)

Cᴀssidy previously took an eight-year break from EastEnders between two 12-year runs. ‘Who knows, maybe another eight years now,’ she said.

She also spoke about life in the public eye, saying fame was never something she actively pursued. ‘I’ve never known any different. 

‘Can’t remember really not being recognised or being chatted to – it just sort of is what it is,’ she said.

When Natalie announced her departure she revealed she was ‘extremely sad’ about the decision. 

In a statement given to The Sun, Natalie said: ‘I feel extremely sad to be writing this, but also very excited.

‘After another 11 solid years back on The Square, I have decided it’s time to move on to pastures new. EastEnders is in my bones so I will never forget where I started my career and I will continue to love the show.

‘Thank you to Chris Clenshaw for the opportunity to be such a big part of the 40th anniversary – it’s an honour. See ya, Sonia, going but never forgotten.’

The publication reports that Natalie will film her final scenes next month around the 40th anniversary week.  

She appeared on Saturday Kitchen, where she discussed her recent departure from EastEnders and the possibility of a return

When Natalie announced her departure she revealed she was ‘extremely sad’ about the decision (pictured in 2024)

Natalie first joined EastEnders in 1993 when she was just 10 years old and remained with the show until 2007.

She returned as Sonia for a year in 2010 and then returned again last year. 

The character is currently pregnant with killer Reiss Calwell’s baby, unaware that he murdered his ex-wife Debbie, a crime Sonia was charged with.

A jury found her not guilty after Reiss managed to produce a video of her sister, Bianca Butcher, falsely confessing to the killing. 

Natalie reportedly told bosses she was planning on leaving EastEnders last summer.

Natalie returned as Sonia for a year in 2010 and then returned again last year (pictured on  the show in 2000)

Natalie has branched out beyond Albert Square many times in her career. 

During her break from the show, she appeared in theatre productions of The Vagina Monologues and Bedroom Farce.

She released a fitness DVD Natalie Cᴀssidy’s Then and Now Workout in 2007 and appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2012.

EastEnders airs weeknights at 7.30pm on BBC One or stream first from 6am on iPlayer