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After nearly 32 years playing Sonia Fowler, Natalie Cassidy opens up about her emotional departure from EastEnders, her evolving appearance, and her exciting new life beyond the soap.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Natalie Cassidy has spoken candidly about the profound impact that nearly 32 years on the BBC’s EastEnders has had on both her career and personal appearance. Having portrayed the beloved Sonia Fowler since she was a child, Cassidy left the show earlier this year, marking an end to a defining chapter in her life. The actress, now 42, revealed that her face has visibly changed since leaving the soap, attributing this transformation to a newfound sense of liberation and happiness after years of immersing herself in a character marked by struggle and hardship.<\/p>\n
In an interview with Prima magazine, Cassidy reflected on how playing Sonia, a hard-working NHS employee with limited glamor, influenced not just her look but also her mood. She explained, “I was quite sad and depressed when I was playing Sonia, or angry all the time. So I feel like my frown lines have sort of faded away, which is quite nice!” She shared that during her time on the show, she stayed true to Sonia\u2019s down-to-earth nature by avoiding glamour-enhancing choices like hair extensions or dyeing her hair, a contrast to the more polished image she now embraces.<\/p>\n
Cassidy\u2019s departure from EastEnders was made public early in the year, with her final episode airing in April. She described leaving the show as both a challenging and exciting milestone, linked closely to turning 40\u2014a point in life when many reassess their paths and priorities. \u201cYou don\u2019t want any rubbish,\u201d she said. \u201cFor me, I just needed to be free and be open to everything else.\u201d Cassidy noted that while EastEnders offered regular work and financial stability, it was also an all-consuming commitment that left little room for anything else. \u201cEastEnders is a brilliant job, but when you\u2019re there, you\u2019re chained,\u201d she reflected. Ultimately, she chose to be brave and explore new opportunities beyond the Square.<\/p>\n
Her exit storyline was an emotional farewell for fans and characters alike, as Sonia left Walford on a speedboat, waving goodbye to family and friends, including her sister Bianca Jackson and daughters who were also departing for Bali.<\/p>\n
Since leaving EastEnders, Cassidy has been busy branching out creatively. She has launched podcasts like Life with Nat and Off the Telly and continued appearing on television in shows such as The Masked Singer, where she performed as Bush, Cooking with the Stars, and the drama Boarders. Looking ahead, she is preparing to publish her debut autobiography, “Happy Days,” which will delve into her life growing up on television, her experiences with parenting, and the ups and downs she has faced. Cassidy called the book release \u201ca dream come true\u201d and expressed excitement for this new chapter.<\/p>\n
Throughout her time at EastEnders, Cassidy was known and loved for her portrayal of Sonia Fowler, a role she affectionately described as being “in my bones.” Despite moving on, she remains grateful for the show\u2019s role in shaping her career and identity, promising that it will always hold a special place in her heart.<\/p>\n