The cast of EastEnders have paid tribute to ‘icon’ Natalie Cassidy, following the announcement she is set to leave her role as Sonia Fowler nearly 32 years after her debut.

The BBC announced news of Natalie’s shock departure with an accompanying statement from the actress, who said it was ‘time to move on to pastures new’.

‘I feel extremely sad to be writing this, but also very excited,’ said Natalie, who originally joined the show as a 10-year-old child in 1993.

‘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.’

Since then, a number of Natalie’s co-stars have taken to social media to celebrate her stint on Albert Square.

Jacqueline Jossa, who plays Lauren Branning, wrote on her Instagram Story: ‘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 @natcassi

‘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.’

Patsy Palmer, who plays Sonia’s on-screen sister Bianca Jackson, also posted on her Story: ‘Love you sister.’

After the official EastEnders’ Instagram account also posted about the news, many stars flooded the comments with support for Natalie.

Callum Highway actor Tony Clay wrote: ‘Icon 😘❤️ x.’

Milly Zero, who played Dotty Cotton, commented: ‘Congratulations on creating an icon & your gonna smash it out there @natcass1 xxx.’

Honey Mitchell star Emma Barton left a series of heart emojis, as did Laura Doddington, who plays Nicola Mitchell and Penny Branning actress Kitty Castledine.

Speaking about Natalie’s exit, EastEnders’ executive producer Chris Clenshaw said in a statement: ‘Over the last 31 years in EastEnders, Natalie has been involved in some of the show’s most iconic and explosive storylines. Her portrayal of Sonia has made her a firm fan favourite amongst the viewers.

‘I won’t be revealing the [minute] details relating to her exit, but I can say that she will take a central role in the 40th anniversary storylines in a week of truly unmissable drama that will change the lives of those in Walford forever.

‘I’d like to thank Natalie for her time at EastEnders, and I wish her all the best for the future.’

As soap fans know, Sonia is at currently the centre of a big story as she attempts to figure out why sister Bianca confessed to the murder of Debbie Colwell.

EastEnders 40th anniversary – Everything we know so far

Here’s what EastEnders fans can expect as the soap celebrates its 40th anniversary on 19 February 2025:

A live episode

Having previously gone live for the 25th and 30th anniversaries in 2010 and 2015, the soap will be beaming live to the nation once again during the 40th week.

This instalment will air one day after the big 4-0, on Thursday February 20.

The episode will also mark a huge EastEnders first as bosses are giving the audience the power to vote on the outcome of one storyline, with the actors having to react to the result live on air – speaking of which…

Denise Fox decides… sort of.

With Denise Fox (Diane Parish) having found herself in a love triangle with Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) and Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara), fans will decide whether she reunites with her estranged husband Jack or picks her secret lover.

We also know that another ‘history making’ decision will be left to audiences to decide, with details yet to be announced.

Grant Mitchell returns

​​Ross Kemp will be reprising his role as the legendary Grant Mitchell to play a significant part in the 40th celebrations.

‘Grant has never been far from the action and let’s just say, this time is no different as he certainly comes back with a bang,’ Ross teased.

Cindy Beale’s attacker revealed

Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) was left for dead when she was whacked over the head with a shovel by a mystery assailant on Christmas Day after the truth about her affair with former stepson Junior Knight (Micah Balfour) exploded.

With the finger of suspicion currently pointing at numerous characters, Cindy’s attacker will be unmasked at last during the anniversary week.

Special programming

Ahead of the big week, BBC Four will broadcast EastEnders Sings at the BBC, a look back at archive performances from cast members from Top of the Pops.

Ross Kemp will take a trip down Walford memory lane with a special hour-long documentary called EastEnders: 40 Years on The Square, taking fans behind the scenes as he delves into the show’s history and relieves some of the most memorable moments.

BBC Three will also offer viewers a look at the explosive anniversary storylines with a 45-minute interview special – EastEnders Revealed: The Lock In – hosted by Joe Swash as he chats to some of the actors who find themselves at the heart of the anniversary drama.

The Queen Vic explodes

As Billy and Honey Mitchell (Perry Fenwick and Emma Barton) prepare to walk down the aisle, their favourite boozer The Queen Victoria will burn to the ground.

Aerial pictures from filming show the pub blown to smithereens, with a car crashed into the side. There’s also a marquee in the middle of the Square Gardens – is this from the wedding?

Little does she know, however, that current partner Reiss Colwell (Jonny Freeman) is actually the killer – and he’s been keeping Bianca prisoner at a secret lockup.

And while the soap isn’t confirming anything about Sonia’s exit storyline, some fans already think they have worked out what happens to the Walford stalwart.