EastEnders’ Natalie Cassidy confirms shock twist for Sonia’s exit as unexpected character ‘comes out of woodworks’
EASTENDERS legend Natalie Cassidy has teased a jaw-dropping twist as Sonia Fowler bows out of Walford this week.
The soap star hinted that an unexpected character “comes out of the woodwork” in emotional scenes that will see Sonia’s storyline take a dramatic turn before her exit.
EastEnders favourite Natalie Cassidy is bowing out of the Square after 32 years – and Sonia is set to make an explosive exit
The soap legend’s final scenes promise everything fans could hope for: gut-wrenching choices, emotional goodbyes, blasts from the past – and one massive twist that’ll leave jaws on the floor.
Sonia’s world came crashing down after fiancé Reiss was unmasked as a cold-blooded killer, bumping off his comatose wife and pinning it on her.
Now a true crime sensation, Sonia’s home has become a grim tourist attraction – and she’s desperate to get out.
But it’s not just creepy fans haunting her… someone from the shadows is about to step forward with a shocking revelation that could change everything.
Speaking about her exit, Natalie told RadioTimes.com: “This is a real shock for the viewers.
“Someone we’ve never seen before comes out of the woodwork which is a surprise for Sonia, Bianca and a few other characters.
“Sometimes in life you wonder, ‘why has the universe brought me that person at this moment?’ That’s where Sonia is. Maybe their arrival is a sign as to what to do next…
“Sonia’s last week is wonderful. It’s a real crescendo and a look back on her history which is nice. It did feel very final, though.
“I left in 2007, popped back a few times then came back permanently in 2014.
“This time it really was like I was saying goodbye.”
Natalie gave EastEnders bosses plenty of warning that she was ready to shut the door on Walford.
After more than three decades as trumpet-blowing Sonia, the fan fave is swapping the drama of Albert Square for a brand new adventure – one that doesn’t involve dead wives, dodgy fiancés, or Square-sized scandals.
These days, Nat’s all about flexing her creative muscles away from acting. She’s fronting Channel 4’s What’s the Big Deal: Britain’s Best Buys? and chatting life, telly and everything in between on her hit podcasts Life with Nat and Off the Telly alongside pal Joanna Page.
She’s also looking forward to some much-needed quality time with her real-life nearest and dearest, telling pals she’s ready to “live a little.”
Natalie added: “Also, characters can get tired and it’s good to rest them for a while.
“I wouldn’t have the arrogance to say Sonia will be back one day, that’s not my choice, but you never know what’s around the corner.
Sonia Fowler’s biggest EastEnders storylines
Sonia Fowler has featured in EastEnders since 1993, and after starring in thousands of episodes, has been featured in storylines ranging from teenage pregnancy to a cancer scare. Here are some of her biggest.
- Teen Pregnancy and Birth of Chloe Jackson (1999-2000)
Sonia discovered she was pregnant at the age of 15. Viewers were shocked by the sudden birth, as the teen went into labour without even realising she was pregnant. Martin Fowler turned out to be Chloe’s father. Sonia initially decided to give the girl up for adoption. - Death of her boyfriend (2002)
Sonia’s boyfriend, Jamie Mitchell, was hit by a car driven by her baby’s father. Jamie had just bought an engagement ring for his girlfriend before being struck down by the thoughtless Martin, who was texting while driving. Although the Jamie was rushed to hospital, docs said his liver was irreparably damaged, and he ended up dying with Sonia by his side. - Marriage to Martin Fowler and Family Tensions (2004-2007)
In a shock twist Sonia went on to marry the man responsible for her previous boyfriend’s death. Their relationship was marred by conflicts and infidelity, and they went on to split up after just three years. At one point in their marriage Sonia was taken hostage by Sarah Cairns, who became obsessed with Martin after he flirted with her during a drunken night out. The couple went through struggles again when the adoptive parents of their daughter were killed in a car crash, leaving them responsible for Rebecca. Because of the tension in their relationship Sonia ended up cheating on her husband with one of her co-workers, nurse Naomi Julien. - Custody Battle for Rebecca (2005-2007)
Baby Chloe, who was renamed Rebecca, was kidnapped by her mum early in life before being returned to her adoptive parents. After Neil and Sue Miller died they awarded Martin full custody of the child because of Sonia’s extra-marital affair. The mum was left distraught to be cut out of her daughter’s life. - Gastric Band Surgery and Weight Struggles (2014-2015)
Sonia became insecure about her weight and arranged to have a secret gastric band surgery in Bulgaria. She later collapsed at an exercise class after suffering complications from the operation. - Discovery of Bex’s Suicide Attempt (2019)
Sonia’s daughter Rebecca tried to take her own life in a heartbreaking storyline which left viewers in tears. She found Bex unconscious after taking an overdose, and was devastated. Sonia blamed herself for pushing her daughter to breaking point, as she had tried to force her into going to Oxford despite Bex saying she didn’t feel ready for university.
“At the moment I’ve just left so I’m not thinking about that. Sonia is a part of everybody’s lives, she still has links to the Square and won’t be forgotten.”
The Sun exclusively revealed that Natalie is set to perform at a comedy gig in London after being invited along as a special guest.
She will be taking to the stage for Pappy’s Flatshare Slamdown.
The show will be a live recording of the popular podcast and will be in the format of its usual “hilarious and anarchic panel game”.
Natalie will be joined on stage by fellow guest, stand-up comedian, radio DJ and voice-over artist Leah Davis.
A blurb for Pappy’s Flatshare Slamdown reads: “Set in Pappy’s flat – with landlord Matthew in charge – each show sees unruly tenants Ben and Tom battle to avoid doing an annoying household chore.
“To help them in this exciting high-stakes contest they force their houseguests to take sides and help them fight it out over a number of stupid games.”
Pappy’s Flatshare Showdown is hosted by Matthew Crosby and its team captains are Ben Clark and Tom Parry.
The show that guest stars Natalie will take place at The Phoenix pub in Cavendish Square, London, on May 27.
General admission tickets cost just £12.62.
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One or watch from 6am on BBC iPlayer.