Natalie Cassidy returns to EastEnders

Natalie Cassidy is to make a dramatic return to Albert Square in the New Year to reprise the role of Sonia Fowler. Natalie, who has played Sonia intermittently for 14 years, will be returning for a gripping storyline in January which centres around the women of the Butcher household.

Sonia is not returning alone though - she will be accompanied by her daughter, Rebecca, who she unforgettably gave birth to on the living room floor when she didn’t even know she was pregnant.

Sonia decided to put the baby up for adoption, but in a cruel twist of fate Martin, the father of her child, knocked down and killed the love of her life, Jamie. Sonia and Martin then fell in love, regained custody of Rebecca and after a rocky relationship the couple moved to Manchester. Sonia returned in 2010 to tell her mum Carol Jackson that her marriage was on the rocks. Then in 2011 she came back to Walford to reveal she had split from Martin and was living in Essex.

Natalie Cassidy commented: “After seven years being out of the show, apart from the odd episode, I am extremely excited and honoured to be making a full-time return. I feel so lucky as an actress to get back to my roots. With Dominic [Treadwell-Collins] as Executive Producer, it’s such an exciting time for the show. I cannot wait to work with Patsy and Lindsey again. Bring it on!”