EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy reveals the reason why she decided to quit the soap after nearly 32 years

EastEnders Natalie Cassidy has opened up for the first time about her decision to leave the BBC One soap after more than three decades. In her first interview since announcing the news, Natalie explained that turning 42 this year made her feel it was time to 'be brave' and explore new opportunities. EastEnders Natalie Cassidy has opened up for the first time about her decision to leave the BBC One soap after more than three decades The actress, 41, who has played the role of Sonia Fowler since she was 10-years-old, will exit as part of the show's 40th-anniversary celebrations - a decision she made last summer The star said: 'I'd been thinking about it for a little while. In her first interview since announcing the news, Natalie explained that turning 42 this year made her feel it was time to 'be brave' and explore new opportunities She told The Sun: 'I'm 42 this year, I just feel like it's time to be brave. You don't want to get to 70 and think, 'I never tried that'' With the anniversary episodes set to feature a dramatic explosion at the Queen Vic, rumours are circulating that Sonia could die in the blast Over the years, some of the show's biggest stars, including June Brown, Pam St. Clement, Barbara Windsor, and Letitia Dean, mentored her.