NATALIE Cassidy has dropped a huge hint about when Sonia Fowler could return to EastEnders.
Viewers learned earlier this year that Natalie, 41, would be leaving her iconic role as Sonia.
During an appearance on Saturday Kitchen, the actress suggested when fans might see her character back in Albert Square.
Natalie revealed: “I did 12 years, eight years out, 12 years.
“So who knows? Maybe another eight years.”
The star's original stint began in 1993 and she left EastEnders in early 2007.
After making guest appearances, Natalie reprised her role as Sonia full-time from 2014 onwards.
Earlier in the conversation, Matt Tebbutt asked Natalie whether she missed the BBC soap.
She replied: “Not just yet, it feels like I'm still on a break, if you like.
“I've only been gone sort of a month or so.”
Matt then proceeded to point out how Sonia hadn't been killed off.
To which Natalie remarked: “Very, very grateful that the door's been left open. I really am.”
Continuing, the actress said it was good to “rest” Sonia after such a long-tenure on screen.
Natalie revealed: “It's nice to rest characters, as well. Sonia's been around since 1993.
“People have grown up with her. It's nice to have a rest.”
At the time Natalie's exit was announced, viewers feared Sonia could diein the soap's explosive 40th Anniversary.
She survived, but ex-husband Martin (James Bye) and killer ex-fiancé Reiss (Jonny Freeman) were both killed off.
Meanwhile, Sonia gave birth to daughter Julia – named for the show's co-creator Julia Smith.
Natalie previously shared to fans: “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' 40th anniversary cameos so far
With the 40th anniversary of EastEnders coming up, fans are looking forward to some more incredible cameos from iconic faces of Walford's past. But who have we had so far?
Tracy-Ann Oberman – Oberman returned as Chrissie Watts, a character she last played nearly two decades ago.
Paul Bradley – Bradley returned as Nigel Bates, a character he last played over 25 years ago.
Micheal French – French returned as David Wicks, a character he last played two decades ago.
Patsy Palmer – Palmer returned as Bianca Jackson, a character she last played in 2019.
Ricky Groves – Groves returned as Garry Hobbs, a character who has not been seen since 2009.
Cliff Parisi – Parisi returned as Minty Peterson, a character who was last seen on the square in 2010.
Ross Kemp – Kemp has returned to play Grant Mitchell, a character he first played in 1990. The BBC has described Kemp's storyline as “explosive”. Kemp said it was an “absolute honour” to return to the show.
Other aspects of the EastEnders 40th anniversary celebration include:A wedding between fan favorites, A huge explosion at the Queen Vic, and A live interactive episode.
“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.”;
EastEnders continues on BBC One and iPlayer.
