Patsy Palmer, famous for playing Bianca Jackson in EastEnders, has paid tribute to Natalie Cassidy, who portrayed Sonia Fowler for nearly 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.

The 41-year-old actress, who plays Sonia Fowler, said she is "extremely sad" but also "very excited" to leave the BBC soap. Her exit will be part of the programme's 40th anniversary.

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.

EastEnders fans are convinced that Sonia Fowler will be killed off after Natalie Cassidy quit the BBC soap this week after nearly 32 years on the soap as the trumpet-playing character