BBC EastEnders star confirms major plans for BBC soap’s 40th anniversary
EastEnders icon Natalie Cassidy has teased exciting things in the pipeline for the soap’s 40th birthday.
The working-class residents of Albert Square have practically become part of our own families over the past four decades, with EastEnders now a real pillar in British TV and still keeping us on tenterhooks on a nightly basis.
So, it’s no surprise the BBC drama wants to go big when it marks its milestone 4-0 on February 19, 2025.
Speaking to Metro.co.uk, Natalie – who has played Sonia Fowler since 1993 – played coy on what might be in store when it comes to celebrations.
However, she confirmed talks are already being had and scripts are seemingly being penned.
‘It’s lovely, isn’t it?’, said the 40-year-old star with a smile when asked how it feels to be part of a programme that is still so universally loved, all this time later.
‘I’m just looking forward to this time next year.
‘This time next year is gonna be a big day!’
Natalie teased: ‘They’re planning a lot and that’s all underway already, so it’s gonna be fab.’
As for her own storylines, Natalie has tackled plenty of hard-hitting matters over the years, from teen pregnancy to family dramas, and from affairs and feuds to bereavements and cancer scares.
Currently, Sonia is undergoing IVF treatment in the hopes of being able to have a baby with partner Reiss Colwell (Jonny Freeman).
Unfortunately, the treatment has so far been unsuccessful, leaving poor Sonia devastated.
Expressing her pride for how the storyline has been handled by all involved, Natalie told us: ‘She’s going through her IVF stuff at the moment and I love the fact that it’s being played for real. It’s not being rushed.
‘I don’t know how that’s gonna end up yet, no one’s told me. But it’s just really lovely how she failed the first round, she’s gonna go on and do the second and how that’s gonna pan out… you know?
‘So many people go through that and I’m so pleased they’re doing it properly, as they always do these stories, really.’
As for whether she predicts a blissful future for Sonia and Reiss, she added: ‘I think Sonia and Reiss are great together, but who knows in soap land? You never know!
‘You don’t wanna be stuck with someone for ages and ages because I think it gets a bit stale and boring. People have to change and break up and get back together.’
Sonia spoke to us alongside friend Joanna Page, as the actresses launch their own TV podcast together.
In true bubbly and chatty style, the Gavin and Stacey icon jumped in a bid to satisfy her own curiosity.
‘Do you ever miss someone? Have you ever got the script sometimes and gone, “Oh my God!”,’ Joanna asked her.
‘Jamie, yeah. Jack Ryder,’ Natalie confirmed, referring to Sonia’s relationship with Jamie Mitchell, with whom she had a baby at the age of 15.
‘I was heartbroken because we were so close and he died in it. It was awful,; Natalie recalled.
‘After that, I think I’ve not allowed myself to worry because it affected me so much, I was like, it’s just a job.
‘You spend so much time together. And if you really hit it off with someone, you know, we were like soulmates, brother and sister. I miss him dearly. I miss him the most.’