Walford legend Natalie Cassidy who quit back in February opens up on her first Christmas away from the soap, whether she’d consider a return to Albert Square any time soonFormer EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy, who left Albert Square after a whopping 32 years as Sonia Fowler, says she is enjoying being ‘open’ to new opportunities and possibilities, after leaving the soap which she practically grew up on.The mum of two of quit her iconic role with her emotional final scenes airing in April 2025 during the show’s 40th anniversary, after a major storyline that saw her leave Albert Square with her sister Bianca.

In an exclusive catch-up with the Mirror, she reveals her true thoughts about a potential return to the BBC soap, what she misses about it – and shares one big dream post-EastEnders that might just surprise a lot of her telly fans…

How does it feel with this being your first Christmas out of EastEnders?

I’m really looking forward to watching Christmas Day as a viewer – and not knowing what’s going on. That’s actually really nice. It’s also really lovely having more time to prepare for Christmas and to be around for the children. I do miss those cold October nights on Albert Square, filming Christmas early, though – that feeling is very special.