EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy is ‘set to take an extended break from the soap’

EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy is ‘set to take an extended break from the soap as her character Sonia Fowler makes temporary exit’

EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy is reportedly set to take an extended break from the soap, after she finished filming her latest storyline.

The actress, 37, is said to have been given a break from the show for a few months, and while she will return to set in a few weeks her character will not appear in the show for a short period of time.

It was claimed on Tuesday that Natalie was given the break as she had already filmed her scenes far ahead in advance, and while she’s already preparing to return her character will not be back until early spring. 

Short departure: EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy is ‘set to take an extended break from the soap as her character Sonia Fowler makes temporary exit’, it was reported on Tuesday

A source speaking to The Sun claimed: ‘Natalie like other actors on EastEnders was given a break for a few months.

‘In real time she is back filming in the next few weeks but on screen she will leave and be off for a few months because the show is filmed so far ahead. She’ll be back again early spring.

‘Giving actors on the show breaks is nothing unusual and when it’s a quieter period for their character, it makes more sense to rest the characters rather than them not doing much on set.’

Natalie’s character has been going through the wringer in the soap, as she struggles on the NHS frontlines amid the coronavirus pandemic. 

MailOnline has contacted Natalie’s representatives for further comment. 

Temporary: Natalie was reportedly given the break as she had filmed her scenes far in advance and is already preparing to return, but Sonia (pictured) will not be back until early Spring

Temporary: Natalie was reportedly given the break as she had filmed her scenes far in advance and is already preparing to return, but Sonia (pictured) will not be back until early Spring

Earlier this month, Natalie admitted she bore an uncanny resemblance to a decorative plate after she received the unflattering comparison from fiancé Marc Humphreys during a visit to sprawling department store Liberty London. 

Taking to Instagram, Natalie revealed the freelance cameraman spotted a distinct likeness on one of the decoratively painted Les Ottomans plates displayed in store. 

Sharing a photo of herself standing beside the tableware – which bears the image of a young pre-20th century woman with rounded cherubic features – the actress admitted there was a definite similarity. 

Spot the difference: Earlier this month, Natalie's fiancé Marc Humphreys spotted a distinct likeness on one of the decoratively painted Les Ottomans plates displayed in Liberty London

Spot the difference: Earlier this month, Natalie’s fiancé Marc Humphreys spotted a distinct likeness on one of the decoratively painted Les Ottomans plates displayed in Liberty London 

Separated at birth: Natalie as trumpet loving Sonia Fowler in EastEnders

... and the uncannily similar Ottomans plate, titled Woman No. 7

Separated at birth: Natalie as trumpet loving Sonia Fowler in EastEnders (L) and the uncannily similar Ottomans plate, titled Woman No. 7 (R)

Captioning the snap, she wrote: ‘@camera_marc thought this was a lookylikey plate in @LibertyLondon. He thinks he’s hilarious. He’s not wrong to be fair.’

Marc had originally shared the photo after unsuccessfully attempting to wind Natalie up with the comparison, telling followers: ‘Liberty London do personalised plates. Who knew.’ 

The Ottomans plates incorporate a range of images and patterns, with Natalie’s – titled Woman No. 7 – available for £50.

Natalie welcomed youngest daughter Joanie in 2016 with Marc. The actress is also a parent to Eliza, 10, with her ex-partner, Adam Cottrell. 

Family: Natalie welcomed youngest daughter Joanie in 2016 with Marc (pictured). The actress is also a parent to Eliza, 10, with her ex-partner, Adam Cottrell

Family: Natalie welcomed youngest daughter Joanie in 2016 with Marc (pictured). The actress is also a parent to Eliza, 10, with her ex-partner, Adam Cottrell