Patsy Palmer has shared a touching tribute to her EastEnders co-star Natalie Cassidy after the actress confirmed her exit from the BBC Soap.
Patsy, 52, who plays Bianca Jackson – Sonia Fowler’s on-screen half-sister -expressed her pride in Natalie’s acting career, business ventures, and family.
Taking to Instagram on Saturday, Patsy shared a nostalgic throwback photo of the pair dressed in wedding gowns, celebrating their long-standing friendship on and off-screen.
She wrote: ‘Needed to pay my respect to this woman @natcass1 . I have known Natalie for too many years to add up.
‘I started at The Anna Scher Theatre school when I was 9. Natalie is 10 years younger so she probably started around the same age some 10 years later.
‘She was a old head in the cutest shoulders from day 1 and from that I day was her biggest protector.
Patsy Palmer has shared a touching tribute to her EastEnders co-star Natalie Cassidy after the actress confirmed her exit from the BBC Soap
Taking to Instagram on Saturday, Patsy shared a nostalgic throwback photo of the pair dressed in wedding gowns, celebrating their long-standing friendship on and off-screen
‘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 waved off by Eve her beautiful mumma .
‘Windows down we would sing and laugh and learn lines on our wonderful journey together.’
Patsy continued: ‘I have seen her grow into the most fantastic woman over the years and so so brilliantly funny and now shes making sure I am safe and comfy when I am here so far away from my family in LA.
‘She often gives me a lift nowadays from work to stay with her making me dinner or to the hotel and I am truly grateful to call her my Sister on screen and off screen.
‘Without Anna Schers we wouldn’t have done the jobs we have done because unfortunately its tough for girls like us to have made something of ourselves.
‘I was determined to make Natalie know that she could do it and she has again and again! I’m proud of you and your work, your business ventures and your beautiful family.
‘Here’s to all of you girls that think you won’t make it !! When we shot these scenes back in the early 90’s 22 million people tuned in to watch !! so keep dreaming .
‘Don’t believe the lies we are here rooting for you. Go get em Nat I’ll be watching.’
After first arriving in Albert Square in 1993, Sonia has been a beloved character for decades, but now, after 32 years, Natalie has confirmed she is leaving the BBC soap
Natalie first joined EastEnders when she was just 10 years old pictured in 1999)
Having first graced Albert Square in 1993 as Sonia Fowler, Natalie has become a beloved presence over the decades.
After 32 years, the actress has confirmed she’s saying goodbye to the BBC soap.
She said in a statement on Friday: ‘I feel extremely sad to be writing this, but also very excited. 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 and I will continue to love the show.
‘Thank you to Chris Clenshaw for the opportunity to be such a big part of the 40th anniversary – it’s an honour. See ya, Sonia, going but never forgotten.’
After her announcement, bosses honoured Natalie and hinted at a dramatic and unforgettable exit for her character.
Along with a picture of her, they wrote on X: ‘Natalie Cassidy is leaving, more than three decades after her first appearance as Sonia Fowler. Chris Clenshaw has said of Natalie’s departure: ‘Over the last 31 years in EastEnders, Natalie has been involved in some of the show’s most iconic and explosive storylines.
”Her portrayal of Sonia has made her a firm fan favourite amongst the viewers. I won’t be revealing the [minute] details relating to her exit, but I can say that she will take a central role in the 40th anniversary storylines in a week of truly unmissable drama that will change the lives of those in Walford forever.
The character is currently pregnant with killer Reiss Calwell’s baby, unaware that he murdered his ex-wife Debbie, a crime Sonia was charged with
‘I’d like to thank Natalie for h
er time at EastEnders, and I wish her all the best for the future’.’
Natalie is set to film her final EastEnders scenes in February, coinciding with the soap’s much-anticipated 40th anniversary celebrations.
Reports suggest the actress informed show bosses of her decision to depart last summer, giving them ample time to craft an unforgettable exit storyline.
With decades of history in Albert Square, her character’s departure is bound to leave a lasting impact on Walford’s residents.
