Former EastEnders actress Natalie Cassidy, known for her role as Sonia Fowler for 32 years, expressed her excitement about embracing new opportunities after departing from the long-running soap opera. She bid farewell to her iconic character in emotional scenes that aired in April 2025, coinciding with the show’s 40th anniversary. In an exclusive interview with Mirror, Cassidy discussed her feelings about a potential return to the BBC series, her fond memories of EastEnders, and her surprising post-EastEnders aspirations.
Reflecting on her first Christmas outside of EastEnders, Cassidy mentioned her anticipation of enjoying the holiday as a viewer, without the behind-the-scenes knowledge. She highlighted the joy of having more time to prepare for Christmas and be present for her children, although she admitted missing the unique experience of filming Christmas scenes on Albert Square.
When asked about the possibility of a crossover episode between EastEnders and another soap, Cassidy expressed interest in the idea, particularly in a potential collaboration with Casualty. Looking ahead to 2026, she shared her hopes of engaging in more live shows and venturing into comedy, emphasizing her dream of starring in a sitcom.
Regarding a potential return to EastEnders, Cassidy indicated that while she left recently in February and is currently exploring different opportunities, the show remains close to her heart and she did not rule out the possibility of returning in the future.
In a separate conversation with Sky Bingo, Cassidy discussed new research findings on beloved Christmas television moments and festive traditions in the UK.
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