Patsy Palmer has paid tribute to EastEnders co-star Natalie Cassidy after the actress announced she would be leaving the BBC soap after more than 30 years. Palmer, 52, who plays Bianca Jackson, the on-screen half-sister of Cassidy’s character Sonia Fowler, said she was proud of the actress’s work, business ventures and family.

The cast of EastEnders have been left reeling after Natalie Cassidy announced she was quitting the BBC soap after 32 years.

EastEnders’ Patsy Palmer proud of ‘most fantastic’ soap sister Natalie Cassidy - Cassidy, who plays Sonia Fowler, announced she will be leaving the BBC soap after more than 30 years.

Following the sudden news Natalie Cassidy is leaving EastEnders, fans of the BBC One soap have seemingly worked out how her character Sonia Fowler will leave. Star Natalie, who made her EastEnders debut back in 1993,

EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy is to leave the BBC soap after more than 30 years playing Sonia Fowler. The 41-year-old said she was “extremely sad” but “very excited” to be leaving, with the BBC confirming her final scenes would take place around the series 40th anniversary week beginning February 17.