Natalie Cassidy has left EastEnders for good. After 32 years playing Sonia Fowler, she says the change feels final. Freed from the soap’s relentless schedule, she is focusing on family projects, stage work and a new book that opens up about her career and personal struggles. What comes next? Keep scrolling to learn more.
Natalie’s Life After Playing Sonia In EastEnders
Natalie was only ten when she first appeared on the BBC soap. She remained a part of the show for nearly thirty years. And there were many interesting storylines she was a part of. But six months ago, she left the show after a long chapter as she wanted to start fresh and explore different things.
Natalie also recently spoke about the practical benefits of leaving the soap. She now gets to spend time with her family. She now has opportunities where she can accept only work that fits around her children. Elsewhere, while filming the BBC soap, there were many opportunities that she had to let go of. However, now she takes on those projects.
Natalie now even does theatre work. Not just this, but she has also been a part of productions such as 2:22 A Ghost Story and regional pantomime. However, now Natalie picks up work very selectively. We saw her in some dramas and also in TV spots. Elsewhere, she is also preparing for a BBC daytime documentary. Elsewhere, the name of the documentary is Learning To Care. She is working alongside some care professionals. And, it is all about caring for family members in real life.
Furthermore, her new book Happy Days collects memories from her childhood, acting classes, and life on set. Cassidy writes to piece things together so that she has an idea of her journey. Natalie also said that she is open to returning to the soap if the storyline is great.
Natalie’s Hard Choices And Future Plans
Losing her mother at 19 shaped her choices and relationships. She was also criticised after a fitness DVD and felt ashamed when she regained weight.
Looking after her dad later in his life is why the Learning To Care show feels personal. That time set what she cared about. It is why she wants a flexible job to be with her family. Cassidy lives in Hertfordshire with Marc Humphreys and their two girls. She says she stepped away mainly to attend school events and family moments.
Cassidy has also said she will try lighter television projects. She might also do local theatre tours. The pattern is clear. She plans to balance acting with advocacy work and family commitments. She will pick projects that fit that shape. For more EastEnders spoilers and updates, keep following Soap Opera Daily.