EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy has spoken candidly about the 'mum guilt' she feels when her work commitments keep her away from her two daughters, Eliza, 13, and Joanie, eight. The actress, who has played Sonia Fowler on the BBC soap for 30 years, also hosts two podcasts and will present a new Channel 4 consumer affairs show called What's The Big Deal? this winter.
Cassidy, 41, described her home life as 'very, very hectic' and admitted she experiences mum guilt 'all the time'. She criticised the notion that parents should choose between career and children, saying: 'We’re not living in the 1950s. Dad doesn’t go to work while Mum stays at home. But we don’t have the infrastructure to support families who need to work.'
The actress and her fiancé, cameraman Marc Humphreys, are both freelancers, meaning their schedules are 'sporadic'. Cassidy said they are 'very lucky to have a nanny', adding: 'We wouldn’t be able to do everything without secure and solid childcare.' She noted that childcare costs are high and that having a nanny does not prevent occasional 'meltdowns' or sleepless nights.
Cassidy also reflected on caring for her late father, Charles, who moved into her family home with an annexe before his death in April 2021 at age 84. She described that period as 'crazy' and said: 'The juggling of different generational care is a whole other ball game.' Her mother, Evelyn, died of bowel cancer in 2002 when Cassidy was 19.
The actress said her daughters are now showing an interest in acting, with Eliza keen on television and school musicals, and Joanie dancing and performing at home. Despite her busy schedule, Cassidy is determined to support other mothers navigating similar challenges.
