EASTENDERS legend Natalie Cassidy is leaving the soap for good – after nearly 32 years playing Sonia Fowler.

Bosses were last night keeping tight-lipped as to whether or not her much-loved character will be killed off, but confirmed that she will film her final scenes next month around the must-see 40th anniversary week.

The special week, which kicks off on Monday February 17, will see a huge explosion rip through the soap’s iconic Queen Vic pub, with several much-loved characters getting caught up in the blast.

Natalie, 41, told bosses of her decision to leave the hit BBC One soap last summer, and rumours are rife that her character could be killed off during the soap’s 40th.

An EastEnders source said: “The 40th week was always going to be shocking, but could they really kill off Sonia Fowler?

“Viewers have watched her grow up on screen and she’s been at the heart of some of the soap’s biggest storylines.

“It would be a proper soap shocker if she was to die during the 40th but equally it will be one that viewers will never ever forget.”

Natalie, who joined the BBC One soap back in 1993, aged just ten years, said: “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.

“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.”

Natalie’s character Sonia is currently pregnant with killer Reiss Colwell’s baby unaware that he bumped off his ex-wife Debbie, a crime she was later charged with.

Luckily, a jury found her not-guilty of murder after Reiss produced a video of Sonia’s sister Bianca Butcher confessing to the killing.

But with Bianca, played by actress Patsy Palmer, 52, having been imprisoned by twisted Reiss in a lock-up for months, and forced to make the recording, it’s only a matter of time before the the truth comes out.

The source added: “There are so many twists and turns in the lead up to the 40th anniversary week. Sonia has no idea that Bianca is locked-up, and that Reiss is behind it all. But as she prepares to give birth in the coming weeks things will start to unravel.

“Bosses have pulled out all the stops to make the soap’s big 40th the most dramatic and unforgettable week in the history of EastEnders.

“And although it will be the last time we see the character of Sonia Fowler in Albert Square following Natalie’s decision to leave, everyone will have to wait and see if she makes it out alive.”

Speaking about Natalie’s departure from the soap, top boss Chris Clenshaw said: “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 finite 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.”

EastEnders dramatic 40th anniversary week will start on Monday 17th February and will also feature a special live episode.

Other storylines include hard-man Phil Mitchell contemplating suicide which will see the return of his brother Grant, played by Ross Kemp, and actress Jaime Winstone reprising her role as a young Peggy Mitchell in a special flashback.

Fans will also discover who tried to kill Cindy Beale on Christmas Day and in a soap first, viewers will also get to decide whether Denise Fox reunites with estranged husband Jack Branning or picks secret bad-boy lover Ravi Gulati.

Over the last year, Natalie has spread her wings beyond Albert Square.

She’s launched her own BBC podcast with Gavin & Stacey’s Joanna Page called Off The Telly.

In 2021 she played a one-off role in hit drama Motherland.

And TV viewers are convinced that she is the celebrity hiding inside Bush in the current series of ITV’s The Masked Singer.

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One and is available to watch from 6am on BBC iPlayer.