EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy is set to bid farewell to Albert Square after an extraordinary 32-year run as Sonia Fowler, with her final scenes to be filmed this month.
The 41-year-old actress, who first appeared on the BBC soap in December 1993, will make her exit amid the show's milestone 40th anniversary celebrations.
Cassidy announced her departure last week, telling fans she was "extremely sad" but "very excited" about her decision to leave the long-running series.
The actress will take centre stage in what producers promise will be "truly unmissable drama" during the anniversary week beginning February 17, with executive producer Chris Clenshaw confirming her exit will "change the lives of those in Walford forever".
Patsy Palmer, who plays Sonia's on-screen half-sister Bianca Jackson, shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, celebrating their decades-long friendship.
Palmer, 52, recalled their shared beginnings at the Anna Scher Theatre School in London, describing young Cassidy as "an old head in the cutest shoulders".
Cassidy has played Sonia Fowler for 32 years
BBC
"When we started @bbceastenders we started together. I would drive from Bethnal Green to Islington every morning to pick her up and bring her to work," Palmer wrote, remembering how they would "sing and laugh and learn lines" on their journeys.
The LA-based actress praised Cassidy's growth, writing: "I have seen her grow into the most fantastic woman over the years, and so, so brilliantly funny, and now she's making sure I am safe and comfy when I am here, so far away from my family."
Cassidy responded to the touching post, saying: "Thank you so much @patsypalmerofficial this is just beautiful. I love you."
Fellow cast members have flooded social media with emotional tributes following Cassidy's announcement.
Co-star Palmer issued a touching tribute ahead of Cassidy's exit
BBC
Kellie Bright, who plays Linda Carter, wrote: "EE won't be the same without you my friend."
Tony Clay, known for his role as Callum Highway, hailed Cassidy as an "icon", while Bernie Taylor actress Clair Norris called her "My mentor!! What a lady."
Stacey Slater star Lacey Turner praised her as a "Legend on and off the tele", while Milly Zero, former Dotty Cotton actress, said: "Congratulations on creating an icon and you're gonna smash it out there."
Lauren Branning actress Jacqueline Jossa shared: "It breaks my heart as a massive fan of the show, but I can't wait to continue to watch you smash it my love. Always been an inspiration to me, so lucky to have worked with you."
In announcing her departure, Cassidy said: "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."
The actress thanked Chris Clenshaw "for the opportunity to be such a big part of the 40th anniversary", calling it "an honour".
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Cassidy and Palmer play on-screen half-sisters in the iconic soap
BBC
Her character Sonia is currently embroiled in a dramatic storyline, pregnant with Reiss Colwell's baby while unaware that he killed his ex-wife Debbie.
The mother-of-two has already begun expanding her career horizons, launching two podcasts - 'Life with Nat' and 'Off the Telly' - and securing a role in the upcoming second series of BBC comedy 'Boarders'.
Reports suggest Cassidy informed show bosses of her decision to leave last summer.
