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After more than three decades on EastEnders, Natalie Cassidy has admitted that playing her character Sonia Fowler often left her feeling “sad and depressed.”
Fans of the BBC One soap watched Sonia’s final scenes earlier this year, as she waved goodbye to Albert Square in April 2025, leaving with her trumpet in hand. It marked the end of an extraordinary run, with Natalie first joining the show as part of the Jackson family back in 1993.
While Sonia has been a familiar face in Walford for 32 years, Cassidy has had an on-and-off relationship with the soap. She first departed in 2007, returned briefly between 2010 and 2011, then reappeared again in 2014, staying until her most recent exit.
Natalie played Sonia Fowler for 32 years - Credit: BBC
Now, the actress has explained why she feels relieved to step away from the role once and for all. Speaking in an interview with Prima magazine, she revealed that portraying Sonia took a toll on her wellbeing.
“Depressing” role left her longing for change
“Sonia isn’t the most glamorous of characters, bless her, but I wanted to stay true to her character,” Cassidy explained. “I never got extensions put in, or dyed my hair. She was just a worker who didn’t have a lot of money and worked for the NHS.”
While that realism resonated with audiences, it also left Cassidy feeling stuck in a cycle of gloom.
“But coming away, and breaking free, I just thought, ‘I want to be glam. I want to wear coloured nails. And just feel like me’,” she added.
She went on to say that the role even affected her mood outside of work:
“I do feel like my face has changed a little since leaving EastEnders, because I was quite sad and depressed when I was playing Sonia, or angry all the time.”
A soap legacy
Despite her struggles with the part, Sonia remains one of EastEnders’ most recognisable characters. From her turbulent relationships and motherhood challenges, to her moments of comic relief with that now-famous trumpet, Sonia was central to many of the soap’s most memorable storylines.
Natalie Cassidy’s exit leaves behind a major gap in the show, and while long-time viewers may miss Sonia, Cassidy’s candour suggests she is ready for the next stage of her life and career.
Natalie feels she can now be glam after 'breaking free' from Sonia - Credit: PA
What’s next for Natalie Cassidy?
The actress has not ruled out new projects, but for now, she seems to be relishing her time away from the Square and embracing a more glamorous lifestyle. Fans will be curious to see if she returns to acting roles that allow her to show a different side of herself, far removed from the hardships of Sonia’s life.
For Cassidy, stepping away from Walford isn’t just a career move, it’s a chance to rediscover her identity. And after 32 years of faithfully playing one of TV’s most down-to-earth characters, it seems she’s finally ready to put Sonia behind her.
