Natalie Cassidy aka Sonia FowlerNatalie Cassidy is to take a break from Eastenders after 13 years with the show.

Natalie, who plays Sonia Fowler, joined the show when she was 9 years old but now feels it’s time for something new - if only for a little while.

“I love Eastenders very much. It’s my second home but it’s time to try new things. But it doesn’t mean Sonia won’t be back,” she has said in a statement.

The BBC are in support of the decision. A spokesperson has said: “Natalie is a valued member of the Eastenders cast and we wish her all the very best during her break from the show.”