Natalie Cassidy tipped for huge reality show after shock EastEnders exit

NATALIE Cassidy could be set for a major reality TV appearance after her shock EastEnders exit.

The Sun revealed yesterday that the Sonia Fowler actress was leaving the soap after 32 years and she will film her final scenes next month around the must-see 40th anniversary week.

Natalie Cassidy has been tipped for huge reality show after shock EastEnders exitCredit: BBC Handout

The,Sonia Fowler actress is quit the soap after 32 yearsCredit: BBCFollowing her departure news, Betway’s latest odds now suggest the actress might head to the Australian jungle, with 5/2 odds of signing up for I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!.

The odds of Natalie, 41, starring on Celebrity Masterchef stand at 6/1, while the star landing a lead role in a BBC sitcom remains at 20/1. 

Natalie would follow in the footsteps of a number of EastEnders stars who have enjoyed a stint on the ITV jungle show.

Her off-screen brother Dean Gaffney, who played Robbie Fowler on the soap, competed in the sixth series and came fifth place.

Jacqueline Jossa, who plays Lauren Branning, also took part on the show in 2019, while Danielle Harold competed back in 2023.

But Natalie will seem to remain loyal to her colleagues – as odds of Natalie joining rival soaps Coronation Street or Emmerdale stand at 33/1. 

Sonia’s exitThe special week, which kicks off on Monday February 17, will see a huge explosion rip through the soap’s iconic Queen Vic pub, with several much-loved characters getting caught up in the blast.

Natalie, 41, told bosses of her decision to leave the hit BBC One soap last summer, and rumours are rife that her character could be killed off during the soap’s 40th. 

An EastEnders source said: “The 40th week was always going to be shocking, but could they really kill off Sonia Fowler?

“Viewers have watched her grow up on screen and she’s been at the heart of some of the soap’s biggest storylines.

“It would be a proper soap shocker if she was to die during the 40th but equally it will be one that viewers will never ever forget.”

Natalie, who joined the BBC One soap back in 1993, aged just ten years, said: “I feel extremely sad to be writing this, but also very excited.

“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.

“Thank you to Chris Clenshaw for the opportunity to be such a big part of the 40th anniversary – it’s an honour. See ya, Sonia, going but never forgotten.”

Natalie’s character Sonia is currently pregnant with killer Reiss Colwell’s baby unaware that he bumped off his ex-wife Debbie, a crime she was later charged with.

Luckily, a jury found her not-guilty of murder after Reiss produced a video of Sonia’s sister Bianca Butcher confessing to the killing.

But with Bianca, played by actress Patsy Palmer, 52, having been imprisoned by twisted Reiss in a lock-up for months, and forced to make the recording, it’s only a matter of time before the the truth comes out.

 The source added: “There are so many twists and turns in the lead up to the 40th anniversary week. Sonia has no idea that Bianca is locked-up, and that Reiss is behind it all. But as she prepares to give birth in the coming weeks things will start to unravel.

“Bosses have pulled out all the stops to make the soap’s big 40th the most dramatic and unforgettable week in the history of EastEnders.

“And although it will be the last time we see the character of Sonia Fowler in Albert Square following Natalie’s decision to leave, everyone will have to wait and see if she makes it out alive.”

Jaqueline Jossa (left) enjoyed a stint on I’m A Celeb in 2019Credit: BBC

Natalie will film her final scenes next month around the must-see 40th anniversary weekCredit: BBC

Sonia is currently pregnant with killer Reiss Colwell’s babyCredit: BBC