EastEnders legend Natalie Cassidy has confirmed that the door is not totally closed on Sonia Fowler as she steps away from the beloved soap.

The 41-year-old actress announced her departure earlier this year, having starred as Sonia since she was a child.

Her character has had an absolute whirlwind after she was 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 while pregnant!

During the 40th-anniversary live episode, Sonia gave birth to daughter Julia in dramatic scenes.

Appearing on Saturday Kitchen today, Natalie spoke about her time on the show and the possibility of a return.

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

Joking that she ‘wasn’t killed off’, Natalie shared: ‘I’m very, very grateful that the door’s been left open. I really am.

‘You never know. But it’s nice to rest characters as well.

Speaking of her extensive history with the soap, she continued: ‘Sonia’s been around since 1993. People have grown up with her, you know. It’s nice to have a rest.’

Fans will remember she previously took an eight-year break between two 12 year stints on EastEnders.

‘Who knows, maybe another eight years now,’ she teased.

For Natalie, fame was never something she sought after which is why she believes she is so ‘down to earth’.

‘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 explained.

She previously told Bella Magazine she was just ‘ready for a change’ and the show couldn’t ‘cater’ to her need to do other projects.

Over the years, Natalie has taken breaks from the show, having first appeared on the show at just 10 years old.

Outside of EastEnders, the icon has been releasing three different podcasts and recording a TV series.

Meanwhile, on the soap, Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer) and Sonia are only just starting to piece their lives back together following their ordeals.