EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy is to leave the show after more than 30 years.
This was confirmed by the BBC, who said that her final scenes have been filmed, and will air around the 40th anniversary week, beginning February 17.
Making her first appearance on the show in 1993, Natalie Cassidy initially left the soap in 2007, before making a brief return between 2010 and 2011. She returned on a regular basis in 2014.
At present, Cassidy's character Sonia Fowler, is currently pregnant with Reiss Colwell's baby, while unaware that he murdered his ex wife Debbie, played by Jenny Meier.
In fact, Sonia, was charged with this crime, before being found not guilty after a video emerged showing her half-sister Bianca Butcher admitting that she committed the crime.
Some of Sonia's biggest storylines include being bullied by her friend Clare Bates, after falling in with the wrong crowd at school, as well as her teenage pregnancy with later husband Martin Fowler.
In a statement, Cassidy, renowned for her role as Sonia Fowler on the BBC soap, said that she was "extremely sad", but "very excited" to be leaving the show.
"I feel extremely sad to be writing this, but also very excited", she said. "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 you, Sonia, going but never forgotten".
EastEnders producer Clenshaw also had this to say regarding Cassidy's departure.
"Over the last 31 years in EastEnders, Natalie has been involved in some of the show’s most iconic and explosive storylines", Clenshaw said. "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", he said. "I’d like to thank Natalie for her time at EastEnders, and I wish her all the best for the future".
Speaking of soaps, Coronation Street star Sue Cleaver announced plans to leave the show after 25 years. More on this here.
