The 22-year-old actress, who plays lesbian Sonia Fowler, has announced that after 12 years in Walford she wishes to take time out to further her career.
Show bosses, however, are adamant that her character will not be killed off in her departure storyline.
A spokesman for the BBC told DS: "Natalie will be taking a break from the show next year. She is a valued member of the EastEnders cast and we wish her all the very best during her break from the show."
Natalie's 'final' scenes are due to be filmed next summer and will be broadcast two or three months later.
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