Natalie Cassidy, known on Albert Square as Sonia, is leaving EastEnders, much to the devastation of fans. And BBC bosses were reportedly left shocked by her decision

Actress Natalie Cassidy is to leave EastEnders, more than three decades after her first appearance on the soap as Sonia Fowler. In a statement the 41-year-old said she was "extremely sad" but also "very excited" to be moving on.

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EastEnders fans are convinced that Sonia Fowler will be killed off after Natalie Cassidy quit the BBC soap this week after nearly 32 years on the soap as the trumpet-playing character

Long-time EastEnders star to leave soap after 32 years - ‘I have decided it's time to move on,’ BBC soap star said

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