EastEnders legend Natalie Cassidy has revealed the real reason she’s chosen to give up her role as Sonia Fowler in the BBC soap.
The actress announced her departure earlier this year, leaving fans of the show in shock.
Natalie Cassidy is leaving her role as Sonia Fowler (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
It came after the character was involved in a huge storyline that saw her sent to prison to await trial for a murder she didn’t commit, before discovering that partner Reiss Colwell was the true culprit – and all that while pregnant!
During the 40th anniversary live episode, Sonia gave birth to daughter Julia in dramatic scenes.
As Natalie prepares to leave the show, she has opened up about the real reason for her departure.
‘I left because I felt the time was right to do so, I was ready for a change, after 32 years,’ she told Bella Magazine.
‘I adore EastEnders but you can’t do everything. EastEnders is a factory with 60 cast members and 300 staff.
‘They can’t cater for someone who says “By the way, I need two months off to do this, I need another three months off to do this”. It’s not fair.’
Natalie has previously taken time away from the London-based soap to pursue other projects, with her most recent break taking place last year.
During that time she started a new podcast, and filmed for series two of comedy Boarders. She is also set to release her first book later this year.
There is one project that Natalie is eager to be a part of, she revealed to the publication.
‘I would love to do the Channel 4 game show Taskmaster,’ she said.
‘I’d love to be a part of it! I keep dropping hints but it hasn’t happened yet. I so hope it does -it’s a fantastic programme and it’s huge on my bucket list!’
