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.
