EASTENDERS legend Natalie Cassidy’s character Sonia Fowler is nicked in dramatic scenes airing next week.

The actress, 41, who plays reliable nurse in the BBC soap, is seen being led away from her engagement party by coppers at Walford’s Queen Vic pub in handcuffs.

It comes as viewers have seen her fiance Reiss Colwell, played by Jonny Freeman, frame her for the murder of his ex wife Debbie, portrayed by Jenny Meier.

A telly source said: “The net is closing in on Sonia and Reiss as the police gatecrash their engagement party and arrest the pair for Debbie’s murder, much to the horror of the other Walford residents and Sonia.”

It comes after it was announced last week that Sonia’s sister Bianca, played by Patsy Palmer, is coming back to EastEnders for a seventh run as part of the dramatic storyline.

Meanwhile, mum-of-two Natalie, who first joined the show 31 years ago aged 10, is using her temporary leave to film a new project for Channel 4.

She has signed up to front a four-part series about current trending consumer products, called What’s The Big Deal?

The show comes off the back of the channel’s popular air-fryer programme investigating the gadget’s huge popularity.

Natalie will now delve into the stories of four other household products that have gripped the nation’s imagination.

A source said of her Albert Square hiatus: “Natalie will be taking a short break, just like many of her co-stars do when they have another project.

“Bosses always try to let stars spread their wings and if they can make it work with the often punishing soap schedule, then they’ll do it.

“Natalie’s really excited to tackle the project for Channel 4. This is another string to her bow.”