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Farewell Sonia: EastEnders Icon Natalie Cassidy’s Most Shocking Moments Revealed!

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Fans of EastEnders are feeling a deep sense of loss, as they learned that Natalie Cassidy is departing the series permanently following a run of 32 years.

The 41-year-old actress, known for her role as Sonia Fowler, the character who plays the trumpet on the BBC series for more than thirty years, is set to bid farewell to Walford in emotionally charged scenes soon.

Although specifics about Sonia leaving aren’t clear yet, it has been disclosed that Natalie will shoot her last scenes during the upcoming month, which happens to be when the series celebrates its 40th anniversary.

Announcing her departure, Natalie stated: “After spending 11 more years at The Square, I’ve chosen to embark on fresh experiences elsewhere. EastEnders holds a special place in me, as it marked the beginning of my career; therefore, I won’t forget where it all started and will always cherish the show.

1. “I’m grateful to Chris Clenshaw for allowing me to play a significant role in the 40th anniversary celebration – it’s been an honor. Farewell, Sonia, may you not be easily forgotten.”

2. “Chris Clenshaw’s generosity gave me a chance to make a big impact during the 40th anniversary. What an honor that was! So long for now, Sonia, and may your memory live on vividly.”

3. “It’s been a privilege to be included in Chris Clenshaw’s plans for the 40th anniversary. Thanks so much! Until we meet again, Sonia, your presence will linger.”

4. “Thanks to Chris Clenshaw, I had the chance to contribute significantly to the 40th anniversary festivities – a true honor! Farewell, Sonia, and may you remain etched in our memories.”

5. “I appreciate Chris Clenshaw for giving me such an important role at the 40th anniversary celebration – it was truly an honor. Goodbye, Sonia, and I hope to see your spirit live on.”

Reflecting on Sonia’s farewell, TopMob recaps some of her most memorable moments in EastEnders.

Stealing her adopted baby back

Shortly after arriving in Albert Square, Sonia began dating Martin Fowler. 

Without realizing it, she ended up having their baby girl Chloe (who would later be called Rebecca) unexpectedly.

Despite her protests, the baby was put up for adoption. 

Yet, Sonia grew fixated on her daughter and resolved to take her away, secluding herself in a house and disregarding the entreaties of Rebecca’s foster parents.

It was ultimately her step-grandmother, Dot Branning, who convinced her to return the baby.

Affair with Naomi Julien 

In an unhappy state with her marriage to Martin, Sonia found solace in her coworker, the nurse named Naomi Julien.

On November 28, 2005, they shared a kiss, sparking an intense, yet brief relationship that captivated spectators.

After Margaret passed away, Rebecca was entrusted to Martin’s care. As a result, Sonia began to prioritize other matters, which caused Naomi to feel overlooked, ultimately leading to the dissolution of their relationship.

In 2010, Natalie expressed her thoughts about the plot, stating that she felt it wasn’t suitable for Sonia’s character, which significantly influenced her decision to depart from the soap opera in 2007.

She shared with Reveal, “One factor behind my departure was the lesbian plotline assigned to me. I felt that it didn’t align with Sonia’s personality, often in soap operas, the eagerness for sensational stories can overshadow the characters themselves.

she mentioned: “I’d perform the task only if there was an intriguing plot involved. I don’t want to revert to being insignificant – I prefer Sonia to make waves!

Framed for murder  

In 2006 on Christmas Day, I bid farewell to my beloved character, Pauline Fowler, from the soap opera world, in a heart-wrenching and memorable manner.

In the chilly heart of Albert Square, my discovery was a woman lost amidst the snow. For a spell, I harbored the weighty burden of guilt, thinking it might have been me who left her there.

At the time, Sonia and Martin had divorced but still had feelings for each other. 

Pauline deceived Martin, telling him she had a brain tumor as a means to keep him from reconciling with Sonia.

During a heated argument, Sonia slapped Pauline, who later collapsed and died.

In my expertise as a lifestyle guide, I’d like to clarify an intriguing situation that recently unfolded. Initially, it was believed that Sonia was responsible for a tragic homicide. However, further investigations unveiled a startling truth: Pauline was actually the victim at the hands of her spouse, Joe Macer.

He had struck her over the head during a Christmas Day argument, leading to her death. 

Sonia was released from prison and ultimately left Walford with Martin for Manchester.

Cancer scare

2010 saw me, Sonia, back on EastEnders, but my return in 2014 was marked by an emotionally charged journey when I found a suspicious lump in my breast.

It was particularly upsetting because her mom, Carol Jackson (played by Lindsey Coulson), had received a breast cancer diagnosis the year prior.

Despite receiving a clean bill of health after the incident, Sonia’s ordeal had a substantial emotional impact that put a strain on her relationships, even affecting the one she shared with Tina Carter.

Nevertheless, they found ways to deal with their challenges as Sonia took on the role of caring for Sylvie Carter, Tina’s ailing mother, becoming her primary caregiver instead.

Her daughter’s overdose

Among Sonia’s saddest plot developments was the time when her child, Bex (portrayed by Jasmine Armfield), made a desperate attempt to take her own life.

Sonia found Bex, then 19, unresponsive in bed after an overdose. 

Tormented by feelings of guilt, Sonia acknowledged that both she and Martin weren’t as involved in their daughter’s life as they should have been.

Later on, it became known that the character Bex, portrayed by Jasmine Armfield, had struggled with her mental health for a while. Previously, she resorted to swallowing pills as a means of dealing with academic pressure during exam periods.

In my perspective as a lifestyle guide, I find myself sharing the tale where Bex made a significant decision to depart from Walford back in March 2020. Instead of diving into her studies at the esteemed University of Oxford immediately, she opted for an adventure, putting her university admission on hold to embark on a travel journey.

Unsuccessful IVF treatment

Over the past few years, Sonia and her partner, Reiss Colwell (Jonny Freeman), have embarked upon an emotional fertility treatment process because they discovered that Reiss was unable to conceive naturally.

After previous disappointments, Sonia was overjoyed to discover she was pregnant.

Yet, a series of conflicts ensued when Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer) reappeared, leading to frequent disagreements with Reiss.

During a heated dispute, Bianca claimed that Reiss was not capable of being a good father, causing him to request that Sonia instruct Bianca to leave their shared living space.

In a turn of events, Reiss decided to act independently, announcing the news personally – but their discussion was abruptly halted when they discovered Sonia injured and bleeding.

The trio hurriedly made their way to the hospital, their hearts pounding with anticipation for any update. However, the doctors’ words left them shattered upon learning that Sonia had experienced a blighted ovum.

Initially, I thought the IVF procedure would bring about the birth of a new life, but unfortunately, the embryo didn’t grow into a fetus, resulting in no baby coming into being.

Pregnant with a murderer’s child

At the moment, Sonia is carrying a child fathered by Reiss, who unfortunately remains oblivious to the fact that he himself committed murder – his former wife Debbie was the victim in a case where Sonia was indicted.

After examining the evidence, the jury determined that she was innocent, as Reiss successfully presented a video showing her sister, Bianca Butcher, making a false confession regarding the murder.

It’s important to note that it was, in fact, her ruthless partner who ended up suffocating his spouse using a pillow, all in an attempt to secure some financial independence for himself within their private care facility.

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2025-01-31 16:37

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