Actress Natalie Cassidy is to leave EastEnders, more than three decades after her first appearance on the soap as Sonia Fowler. In a statement the 41-year-old said she was "extremely sad" but also "very excited" to be moving on.

Eastenders legend Natalie Cassidy has opened up following her decision to leave the BBC soap after 11 years of being a full-time cast member. The 41-year-old actress, who has played Sonia Fowler on and off on the BBC soap for almost 32 years has decided to bow out next month amid the soap's 40th anniversary celebrations and said she is leaving to try new things.

EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy, who has played Sonia Fowler for 32 years, has opened up about her decision to quit

From one EastEnders icon to another, Patsy Palmer has celebrated the achievements of Natalie Cassidy as she announced she was leaving the BBC One flagship soap after 32 years. Patsy posted a moving message to her Instagram account about Natalie's departure.

Natalie Cassidy has shared her thoughts on leaving EastEnders. The actress, who has portrayed Sonia Jackson for over three decades, is set to depart the BBC soap.

U.S. figure skater Spencer Lane, 16, shared a photo from inside American Eagle Flight 5342 before it took off from Wichita, Kansas, to Washington, D.C., where it crashed into a helicopter mid-air.

Patsy Palmer, famous for playing Bianca Jackson in EastEnders, has paid tribute to Natalie Cassidy, who portrayed Sonia Fowler for nearly 32 years.