Natalie Cassidy to leave EastEnders after more than 30 years as Sonia Fowler

The BBC has not announced how Cassidy will leave the show.

Natalie Cassidy is to leave EastEnders (Jordan Pettitt/PA)

EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy is to leave the BBC soap after more than 30 years playing Sonia Fowler.

The 41-year-old said she was “extremely sad” but “very excited” to be leaving, with the BBC confirming her final scenes would take place around the series 40th anniversary week beginning February 17.