EastEnders has sailed through some choppy waters when it comes to ratings but one thing that has always helped steer it through and make it back to the top of the soaps - has been its long standing cast talent.
With the loss of June Brown who played Dot Branning for four decades up to 2020, BBC bosses had been hoping to develop actress Natalie Cassidy's role in the soap. Ever since she appeared as trumpet blowing Sonia Jackson in 1993 Nat has won the hearts of EastEnders fans.
The actress has had several spells away from the soap but has always returned to Albert Square. But she reportedly nshocked producers when she told them that her next break from EastEnders would be for good.
Natalie, 41 officially announced the news on Friday. "I feel extremely sad to be writing this, but also very excited," she said in a statement. "After another 11 solid years back on the square, I have decided it's time to move on to pastures new. EastEnders is in my bones, so I will never forget where I started my career and I will continue to love the show."
Image:
BBC / Gary Moyes)The BBC confirmed Cassidy's final scenes will take place around the series' 40th anniversary week which begins on 17 February.
Behind the scenes, show bosses are said to be reeling. An insider told The Sun: "Bosses are well aware of Natalie's popularity. Her much-loved character has been a mainstay of Albert Square for over 30 years, and they envisioned her filling the huge hole left by Dot by becoming the Walford stalwart and busybody, who locals would go to for gossip and also advice. But incredibly, despite being engrossed by EastEnders for three quarters of her life, Natalie has managed to grow a profile outside of the soap and has become too big for it."
The ability to play such as relatively 'normal' character compared to other females on the show, has always been considered the secret to her success - and why viewers love her so much. This normality has meant Natalie has carved out a incredible social media following - by just being herself. She has over 500,000 followers on Instagram and has her own podcast, Life With Nat.
The actress lives with partner cameraman Marc Humphreys and has two daughters Eliza Beatrice Cotrell, from a previous relationship and Joanie Elizabeth Cassidy-Humphreys There is also a BBC Sounds offering called Off The Telly, alongside Gavin & Stacey star Joanna Page, in which the pair give reviews on TV shows.
So will she be killed off from the soap? As part of Eastenders' 40th birthday week, there will be a huge explosion which will rip through the Queen Vic and Sonia could well be one of the tragic fatalities. Her character has not had much to smile about on screen - most recently being charged and then sensationally acquitted of killing Debbie, wife of Reiss Colwell.
The secret ambition is and has always been to become a comedy star. Natalie auditioned for Gavin and Stacey to play the sister of James Corden's character Smithy, but was snubbed in favour of Sheridan Smith. And last year she revealed he has been desperate to star in a project with comedy superstar Ricky Gervais. She said: "It's my dream. I watch (Ricky's comedies) After Life and Derek and I'm like, 'Why haven't I done that? Why can't I be on things like that?'"
Ricky has given her a role in his latest Netflix series, an animated comedy about cats - Kerry Godliman, Diane Morgan, Joe Wilkinson and David Earl, who regularly star in his programmes. But it's clear Natalie wants more - and without being stuck on constantly revolving door back to Walford she could finally achieve her dream
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