The cast of EastEnders are devastated following news that Natalie Cassidy has quit the soap.
The 41-year-old actress, who made her first appearance as Sonia Fowler in 1993, is bidding farewell to Albert Square after an incredible 32-year tenure on the BBC soap.
After news of her exit was made public, her co-stars have penned heartfelt tributes on the official EastEnders Instagram page.
Kellie Bright, famed for playing Linda Carter, shared touching messaging, saying: “EE won’t be the same without you my friend.”
Callum Highway star Tony Clay hailed her an “icon”, while Clair Norris, who plays Bernie Taylor, honoured her with “My mentor!! What a lady.”
Milly Zero, who portrayed Dotty Cotton from 2019 to 2022, celebrated Natalie as she said: “Congratulations on creating an icon and you’re gonna smash it out there”.
Patsy Palmer, who stars as Natalie’s on-screen sibling Bianca Jackson, echoed the sentiment on her Instagram Stories with a heartfelt: “Love you sister.”
Lacey Turner, best known for her role as Stacey Slater, dubbed Natalie a “Legend on and off the tele. Love you,” in her story.
Lauren Branning star Jacqueline Jossa paid homage to her friend expressing: “It breaks my heart as a massive fan of the show, but I can’t wait to continue to watch you smash it my love.
“Always been an inspiration to me, so lucky to have worked with you and have you as a cousin on the best square around! Love you loads, it feels real now.”
Natalie Cassidy, who first appeared on the show at the age of 10, expressed her mixed feelings about leaving, stating: “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.”
The mum-of-two added: “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 soap star will film her final scenes for the show in February, coinciding with the highly anticipated 40th anniversary week. It’s reported that she informed the show’s bosses of her decision to leave last summer.
