Natalie Cassidy has opened up on her decision to leave EastEnders after playing Sonia Fowler on the BBC soap for more than three decades

Natalie Cassidy spent 30 years as Sonia Fowler in EastEnders(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes)

Natalie Cassidy confesses she “doesn’t miss” EastEnders after departing the soap following more than three decades on screen. The actress initially joined the beloved BBC programme as Sonia Fowler back in 1993.

The 42-year-old remained with the series for 14 years before her initial exit in 2007. She made sporadic returns before securing a permanent comeback in 2014.

Yet this January saw the announcement that Natalie would be departing the soap once again, with her farewell scenes broadcasting on April 17. During that period, Natalie expressed her desire to dedicate more time to her family – fiancé Marc Humphreys and daughters Eliza, 15, and eight-year-old Joanie – whilst exploring fresh projects.

Natalie has now revealed her feelings about leaving during a chat with fellow soap actress Kellie Bright. Appearing on the Life with Nat podcast, she declared: “I don’t miss it, I don’t. I miss the people. It’s full on.”

The television personality went on to confess she feels positive about her decision. She added: “I do feel happier doing the things I’m doing now. I always feel like I have to say it, I loved it, I’m grateful for it but I did fall into it and that was that, and that’s what I did for 30 years, I don’t know if I was meant to do that.”

Sonia Fowler actress Natalie Cassidy bowed out of EastEnders on Thursday night(Image: BBC/Eastenders)

Following her departure from the programme, Natalie has penned a book about motherhood, titled Happy Days, which is scheduled for release in October, and has fronted her own consumer show on Channel 4. Her forthcoming series, Learning to Care, will feature Natalie returning to college to discover everything about becoming a carer.

Throughout her three decades on EastEnders, Natalie confesses there was one particular aspect she “loved”. She disclosed she would get thrilled upon receiving the scripts.

She continued: “I used to love it, I loved the prep, getting the scripts. I never got bored of getting a script. I never felt bored or thought, ‘Oh, here we go, we’ve got to undo it all and do it my way and see what’s happening’. I never lost that in all of those 32 years.”

Sonia and Bianca left Walford in a speedboat

Prior to her departure, Natalie acknowledged feeling “guilty” about how much time she could devote to her domestic life. However, she clarified she did spend whatever free time she had with her family.

Speaking to Closer magazine, Natalie confessed: “It’s hard. You feel guilty about not spending more time at home, but you need to take the opportunities when they come along to earn money.”

She continued: “You have to accept that not every bit of your life can be perfect all the time. Any time I do have off, I’m at home with Marc and the kids.”

Outside her EastEnders role, Natalie has also starred in the BBC comedy Mandy in 2020 as Donna Bell and has made guest appearances on ITV’s Loose Women. She has also featured on Celebrity Big Brother, Strictly Come Dancing, and The Masked Singer.

Natalie is now participating in Cooking with the Stars on ITV. From 7pm tonight (August 3) she will be battling it out against radio presenter Jordan North.