Natalie is departing the show she joined all the way back in 1993
EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy has said she’s ‘honoured’ after revealing some major career news just days before her soap exit.
Natalie has played Sonia Fowler since 1993, when she was just 10-years-old. In her time on Albert Square, she has become one of the programme’s most popular characters.
Outside of a seven year stint between 2007 and 2017, viewers have been following Sonia’s journey from a young trumpet player to a caring mum.
Sadly, Thursday night (April 17) will see Sonia leaving Walford as she looks to move on from a tough period which saw the death of her former husband Martin Fowler and evil ex Reiss Cowell.
It appears that Sonia may be moving to Bali, with her dad Terry Cant arriving this week after being missing from her life for over 30 years.
Despite fans getting ready for an emotional goodbye, Natalie’s news proves she won’t be hard to track as she pursues new career opportunities.
On Easter Monday (April 21), Natalie will be presenting her own special show on Virgin radio from 1pm to 4pm.
Ahead of her show, Natalie said: “I’m very excited. This year I’m trying to branch out and do brave things, and this is one of them, and I feel very honoured to have been given a chance on Virgin Radio.
“I’m a very big fan of the station and music in general. So to actually come in and do my own show feels very daunting, but there’s a first time for everything.
“I would love to play Oasis for my first show, just a track, because I love them to pieces. Amy Winehouse is always a good one as well. Valerie, it’s a karaoke family classic.”
Asked what her plan normally is on a bank holiday, Natalie admitted that it’s not a free day she’s used to having due to her BBC schedule.
She explained: “Back in EastEnders we’d be filming, we didn’t really have bank holidays. What holiday? I’d be at home with the kids, relaxing probably.
“I say relaxing, I don’t really sit down. I’d probably be cleaning and doing the washing.”
Dennie Morris, Director of Audio, News Broadcasting said of Natalie’s show: “It’s an honour to welcome national treasure Natalie Cassidy to Virgin Radio for this special show – and I’m delighted she’s such a big fan of the station.”
You can listen to Natalie’s Easter Monday show on the Virgin Radio app, or ask your Smart speaker to play Virgin Radio UK.
