Natalie Cassidy, best known for playing Sonia Fowler on EastEnders, has opened up about her decades-long career, the influential women who mentored her, and her decision to leave the iconic soap. Born in Islington, London, in 1983, Cassidy joined EastEnders in 1993 at age 10 and made her final exit in April 2025. In a candid interview, she reflects on her journey from child star to seasoned actor.
Learning from the Best
Cassidy recalls a photo taken on the freezing set of EastEnders when she was 13, featuring her character playing a trumpet at her mother's wedding. 'The trumpet brought light and comedy to the role,' she says. 'Sadly, like most soap characters, she got downtrodden over the years.' Despite her young age, Cassidy was an 'old soul' who preferred the company of veteran actors like Wendy Richard, June Brown, Pam St Clement, and Barbara Windsor. 'Those amazing, matriarchal women taught me everything I needed to know about being an actor,' she explains. 'It's been really sad losing most of them over the years.'
Childhood and Early Career
Cassidy grew up in a calm, quiet household with older parents and brothers. She joined Anna Scher's theatre school at age eight, where she paid just £2 per session. Scher submitted her for the EastEnders audition in 1993. 'The magnitude of what was about to happen was lost on all of us,' Cassidy admits. Her family, who ran a newsagent shop, didn't watch EastEnders and might have hesitated if they knew how big the show was.
At school, Cassidy faced jealousy from peers because of her television fame. 'I'd get a bit of stick, so eventually thought, if you can't beat them, join them,' she says, recalling that she ended up hanging out with the 'naughty lot.'
Personal Life and Loss
Cassidy's mother died a week after her 19th birthday, a loss she handled with guilt and anger. 'I kept working and partying, and didn't stop when I should have been there for my family,' she reflects. The grief fully hit her when her father passed away five years ago. With him, she did things differently, buying a house with an annexe so he could live with her. 'For four years, we had quality time together. I had the honour of being with him when he passed.'
Life After EastEnders
After 14 years on the soap, Cassidy left in her early 20s to explore other opportunities, including theatre productions like Bedroom Farce and The Cherry Orchard. To supplement her income, she released a fitness DVD and appeared on reality shows like Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother. 'Theatre work doesn't pay the tax bills, unfortunately,' she notes.
One of her most memorable moments on EastEnders occurred during the live 40th anniversary episode, when she fractured her sternum while simulating childbirth. 'I carried on, of course. Finished the rehearsal, then afterwards mentioned I was feeling really sore,' she recalls. Despite doctor's orders to rest, she performed live that night.
Leaving the Soap
Cassidy left EastEnders earlier this year with a humorous send-off, driving away with her trumpet, sister Bianca, and a new baby. She won't miss the relentless schedule that forced her to miss school assemblies and doctor's appointments. 'This industry isn't very friendly for mums, and I want to be home a lot more now.'
Unlike some actors who are bitter about their soap origins, Cassidy embraces her role. 'When I look at this picture, I just see a character who has given me so much. That's why I've been able to leave again in a really amicable manner, and why maybe I'll go back once more. I love Sonia, and the trumpet. All of her is a part of me.'
