EastEnders fans waved an emotional goodbye on Thursday night as Sonia Fowler, played by Natalie Cassidy, left Albert Square after more than three decades on and off the BBC soap.
Cassidy first left the soap in 2007 but returned for brief stints before rejoining the cast full-time in 2014.
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In January, Cassidy announced her departure, saying she was “extremely sad” to be leaving but also “very excited” for what comes next.
End of an Era
The episode also marks the exit of Bianca Jackson, portrayed by Patsy Palmer, who returned last year to reunite with her father David Wicks (Michael French). Palmer is currently appearing on ITV’s Celebrity Big Brother.
Fans took to social media to share their love for Sonia and thank Cassidy for her years of dedication to the role. Her departure adds to a growing list of long-standing soap characters making emotional exits, marking the end of an era for EastEnders.
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If you missed Sonia’s final appearance, the episode is available now on BBC iPlayer.
