Natalie Cassidy has been a staple of EastEnders for over 30 years, but she said goodbye to the BBC One soap earlier this year as she left behind her character Sonia Fowler
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Natalie Cassidy has shared a three-word response about making a possible EastEnders return(Image: Dave Benett, Dave Benett/Getty Images for Marks & Spencer)
Natalie Cassidy has become one of the most well-loved characters on BBC soap EastEnders over the years, but she said her farewells to the cast earlier this year.
Playing a crucial part in EastEnders for decades, she first appeared on the programme in 1993 as Carol Jackson’s (Lindsey Coulson) third daughter.
Securing one of her first significant plotlines in 2000, when her character learnt she was expecting a baby, Natalie has remained central to the drama ever since — from romances and family rows to continuous clashes with other characters.
Following more than 30 years portraying Sonia, she said goodbye to the soap in touching scenes broadcast in April this year.
Having been away from EastEnders for just a handful of months, she has already discussed the prospect of making a return, revealing to My Weekly magazine that she chose to depart to spend more time with her family and “try different things,” including launching her well-loved Life with Nat podcast.
Discussing a potential return, she offered a three-word answer, stating: “I’d never say never. And because Sonia’s gone off with her trumpet on a boat, not in a coffin, I’d never say never to returning — it’s my home.”
Natalie made her last appearance as Sonia in April, departing Walford for Bali alongside her daughter Rebecca Fowler (portrayed by Jasmine Armfield) and Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer).
Despite many speculating that her recent departure from the soap will be her final one, it’s not the first time she’s left the Square, having initially exited in 2007 before reprising her role two years later.
Since her latest exit, two of her other ventures have abruptly concluded.
In a recent interview, she revealed that she doesn’t anticipate her Channel 4 programme What’s The Big Deal? being commissioned for a second series, while her Off The Telly podcast, co-hosted with Joanna Page, also appears to have wrapped up.
However, while her Off The Telly podcast appears to have come to an end, she continues to welcome her friends and family onto her Life with Nat podcast.
She’s due to make a comeback on our screens this morning on Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch, where she’ll join fellow guests Mark Ronson, Adrian Dunbar, and Professor Brian Cox, along with presentersTim Lovejoy and Simon Rimmer.
Brooke Vincent has revealed her plans to return to Coronation Street, six years after her character, Sophie Webster, was last seen on the ITV soap opera
Daniel Bird Assistant Celebrity and Entertainment Editor
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Brooke Vincent has opened up about a possible return to Coronation Street(Image: ITV)
Brooke Vincent has hinted at a return to Coronation Street in the near future. Her character, Sophie Webster, was last seen on screens in Weatherfield on October 9, 2019, before the actress took maternity leave, 15 years after she first waltzed onto the famous cobbled street.
She decided to take an extended period of leave due to not taking a “typical” maternity leave period. But with her two children now growing up, the 33-year-old has revealed she would be in a position to return to the programme should the call come in from soap bosses.
During her final appearance on the show, viewers saw Sophie go travelling after inheriting money from her Aunty Vi, with her character leaving Weatherfield in a taxi as she headed to the airport. But this could all change in the near future.
“I feel like Corrie for me is home,” Brooke exclusively told the Mirror. The Audenshaw-born actress went on to add: “Whenever, if ever, they ask me, I’d love to go back and see them. It’s a different type of job now we’ve got the boys. I’ve got a lot of friends there, it’s like my family.
“It’s such a lovely place to work, so definitely, I feel like I’ve had such a long time off that I’ve been able to enjoy my children without the schedule of how hard it can sometimes be. I think obviously now they’re a bit older and they’re a bit more independent, and there’s obviously the opportunity to take on more work.
“It’s the adult conversation, routine, it’s always a gorgeous place for me to work, and I have gone off and worked in different environments with different people, but Corrie is a huge part of me, and I feel incredibly lucky to have that.” During her leave from the show, Brooke has thrown herself into various projects, including presenting on Hits Radio as well as a touring appearance in Kay Mellor’s The Syndicate, alongside Max George and Gaynor Faye.
She said: “It was fab! I loved the play, I had a ball. It was a Kay Mellor play, so I felt incredibly lucky to be working alongside Gaynor (Faye) and Kay’s grandson, Ollie. It was a family production and we embraced our roles in it.
It was hard when I was working away, navigating uniform, hobbies, what do they need, there’s a lot that goes into being a parent. And when it’s paired with something that is also quite hard, sometimes, juggling it all, it can be quite difficult. On the whole, I had a ball and I absolutely loved it.”
Brooke grew up on screens, while her partner, Kean Bryan, made a name for himself on the football pitch, playing for the likes of Manchester City and Oldham Athletic, witht the couple now sharing sons Mexx, six, and Monroe, four, but she admits she has reservations about if their children were to follow in their footsteps.
She revealed: “It’s quite daunting when you’re a parent and they want to go into the profession you’re familiar with. Acting and footballer, those two professions are constantly proving yourself, getting up from rejection and dealing with that, growing with that.
“That’s something, my two little boys are so small, I’m like ‘I don’t want you to do that’, the thing that I love about them getting older, their personalities are coming out now, and you get to see what they enjoy and are good at.
“One of my little boys is a real performer; it’s nice to see them growing up and choosing what they want to do. I don’t know how I’d feel. I’d be super supportive, but there’s also a deeper level of understanding of what mentally you sometimes have to go through with these jobs. You want them to have the easiest life.”
While Brooke’s life may look super relaxed on her social media pages, the actress admits that every day is a struggle in the family home, saying: “Any parent will tell you, the second you have to think about other people and the dynamic of kids, school, uniform, which child has which hobby, it’s a different dynamic. Sometimes it’s like juggling in the dark; you’ve got no clue if you’ve gotten through the day.
“I literally just wing it. Every single day, I wing it. Some days, I win at it, and some days I don’t. That’s the reality of what life is like now. My job isn’t necessarily a job where I know I’m going to be, what time I’m going to start, or what time to finish.”
Her online followers often see Mexx and Monroe mocking Brooke’s outfits but she admits she finds this hilarious as children have “no filter” until they’re much older. Laughing about their brutal comments, she explained: “The kids, they’re very funny, they tell the truth – there’s been times where I think I look really good, I go downstairs and they go ‘What have you got on?!’
“They don’t let you off with anything. Or if I’ve got a spot, they’ll be like ‘Mum, what is that spot?’ There’s definitely power in their words, freedom of speech; they don’t have a filter until they’re a little bit older, it’s funny.”
Most recently, Brooke joined forces with Emmerdale actor Danny Miller and Capital FM broadcaster Wingman to discuss their parenting experiences on a hilarious podcast. However, the podcast has been a long time coming, with Brooke revealing the trio had been discussing ideas in a group chat prior to signing a deal.
Speaking about the project, she said: “Finally, it’s out there, which is a bit surreal. We’ve sat and recorded some eps, when other people get to hear it, it’s been nice, it’s fun, we like it, we’re having a good life.
We’re all in the same industry, we’ve been brought up very differently, our stories on the pod are about being parents, it’s very much tongue in cheek. There’s a lot of laughs, it’s nonsense, just getting together and having a good laugh.
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I feel like ours is refreshing; it’s just fun, we have an absolute ball. It’s been funny to see how one conversation will start and the next we’re off on a tangent. It’s not super polished – we’re just being nuisances constantly. It’s a real, feel-good podcast.”
You Don’t Know You’re Born is available to stream on all podcast platforms.
Ian Watkins’ ex-girlfriend Jo Mjadzelics revealed she burst into tears after hearing that the former Lostprophets frontman had been killed at HMP Wakefield
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Ian Watkins’ girlfriend has spoken out since the disgraced singer was killed in prison(Image: Getty Images)
Ian Watkins’ ex-girlfriend has revealed she started to cry when she heard he was dead. On Saturday, it was announced that the former Lostprophets frontman had been stabbed to death in jail.
He was serving a 29-year prison sentence for child sex offences. Watkins, aged 48, was attacked with a knife on Saturday morning. Emergency services were sent to HMP Wakefield, but he was pronounced dead on the scene. A Prison Service spokesperson said in a statement: “We are aware of an incident at HMP Wakefield which took place this morning. We are unable to comment further while the police investigate.”
Wakins was jailed in December 2013 with a further six years on license after he admitted a string of sex offences, including the attempted rape of a fan’s baby. Following the news, Jo Mjadzelics, 48, who first told the cops about Watkins’ dark fantasies, said she cried when she heard the news.
She told the Mirror: “I was shocked having the news out of the blue as I would with anyone who’s died.” Jo added: “There were tears, but only because of the shock – not tears for him.” She went on to explain that she was “surprised” it had taken 13 years for Watkins to be killed.
“I was worried sick he’d get out and track me down or something,” she added. A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said yesterday: “At 9.39am this morning (Saturday), police were called by staff at HMP Wakefield reporting an assault on a prisoner.
“Emergency services attended and the man was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later. Detectives from the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team are investigating and inquiries remain ongoing at the scene.” Two years prior to his death, he suffered severe but non-life-threatening injuries after being taken hostage.
In 2013, the Welsh native, 48, pleaded guilty at Cardiff Crown Court to 13 child sex offences. He also admitted to the rape and sexual assault of a child who was under the age of 13. Watkins also admitted conspiring to rape a child, three counts of sexual assault involving children, seven involving taking, making or possessing indecent images of children and one of possessing an extreme pornographic image involving a sex act on an animal.
Sentencing Mr Justice Royce said the case broke ‘new ground’ and ‘plunged into new depths of depravity’. He said Watkins had a ‘corrupting influence’ and had shown a ‘complete lack of remorse’. He added Watkins posed a significant risk to the public in particular to women with young children.
The musician was later handed an extra 10 months after he was discovered to have a mobile phone in his possession while behind bars. Initially, he denied having a three-inch GSTAR phone in his cell. As the verdict was read out, Watkins claimed that “known murderers” in his prison told him to keep an eye on the phone after chucking it on his bed.
During the hearing, Judge Rodney Jameson QC said: “I am very conscious of the fact you are serving a very long time and you will be well into middle age by the time you are released.
“The fact of the matter is, if there is not an appreciable penalty for having had a mobile phone in these circumstances, then of course you would draw from that the lesson you could have another one, and that is not a position I would want to encourage.”
Speaking about possible repercussions, he said: “Chances are someone would sneak up behind me and cut my throat. It’s not like one-on-one. Stuff like that, you don’t see it coming.” He was said to be sharing his wing with murderers, killers, rapists and paedophiles, who he described as “the worst of the worst”. Asked to describe his music career during an earlier appearance, Watkins told the court his band had sold between five and ten million records across the world between 1999 and 2012.
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Watkins said the Lostprophets had toured all over the world, headlining at Wembley Arena and the MEN Arena in Manchester. Watkins was allegedly paying for protection in prison after being stabbed with a “sharpened toilet brush”. The convicted sex offender reportedly had “access to money” and “spent his time” buying both protection and friendships after the attack in 2023, which was reportedly over a £900 drugs debt.
If you’ve been the victim of sexual assault, you can access help and resources via www.rapecrisis.org.uk or calling the national telephone helpline on 0808 802 9999
Taylor Swift is once again causing a stir with her accessories, her latest album release has revived an old jewellery trend as she donned a stunning silver anklet
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Taylor Swift revives old jewellery trend with stunning silver anklet stack(Image: Taylor Swift/Instagram)
With the release of Life Of A Showgirl, Taylor Swift’s 12th original album, the pop sensation has been posting snapshots from music videos and photoshoots depicting the ‘Showgirl’ aesthetic. And last week, Taylor may have sparked a resurgence in an old jewellery trend as one of these pictures, posted to her Instagram, showed off the singer’s envious legs, adorned in fishnet tights and crowned with a sparkling anklet.
While the exact ankle stack Taylor wore is likely designer, we’ve found the perfect, affordable alternative to copy Taylor’s latest jewellery style with this dazzling pick from Abbott Lyon.
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This Tennis Chain Anklet is perfect for adding that dash of glitz and glamour to your accessories, whether you’re opting for a dress and tights like T-Swift, or fancy elevating your day-to-day style with a subtle elegance.
Described as 100% waterproof, heat and sweat-resistant, anti-tarnish and crafted to last, this piece of jewellery is set to shine all day, every day, without leaving your ankle turning green. Retailing for the reduced price of £47.20, down from £59, this piece of jewellery is adjustable to fit all from 8-10 inches.
Crafted from silver-plated stainless steel, this anklet is designed to complement any outfit. The silver Tennis Chain Anklet is adorned with clear cubic zirconia gems, adding a subtle shine to any dress code, from workout gear to party looks. Make it even more unique by adding a pendant.
If you’re not a fan of silver, Abbott Lyon has a range of alternative anklet styles in both silver and gold for you to peruse. For more of a stack-like look, this customizable Initial & Birthstone Anklet Set in gold (£42 down from £70) could be just the ticket. Either select your initial or birthstone, or for die-hard fans, why not opt for T instead?
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If you’d prefer to shop elsewhere, Prya has this Raisa Anklet duo in your choice of metal finish, which retails for the more affordable £28. Alternatively, head over to Amazon to find the PROSTEEL Anklets Set in a range of styles and colours, starting at £19.99.
This luxury advent calendar from one of Kate Middleton’s go-to jewellery brands is the chicest alternative to the classic chocolate countdown this Christmas
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Kate Middleton-loved jewellery brand launches luxe 12-day advent calendar (Image: Astrid & Miyu )
The Christmas countdown is officially on, and hundreds of brands are slowly but surely dropping their 2025 advent calendars. Long gone are the days of just having a simple chocolate calendar; now you can get calendars for everything from beauty and jewellery to coffee and cocktails.
And the latest brand to drop their advent calendar offerings (and one of the best we’ve seen) is Astrid & Miyu. With celebrity and royal fans ranging from the Princess of Wales herself to Holly Willoughby and Rochelle Humes, Astrid & Miyu has cemented itself as one of the it jewellery brands to get your hands on. The best part is that the pieces are stylish and high-quality while remaining affordable.
The brand has launched three different options: the 12 Day Advent Calendar in Gold or Silver (£345); the 24 Day Advent Calendar in Gold or Silver (£695); and the priciest of the three, the Solid Gold Advent Calendar (£1,350).
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Of course, these are definitely pricier than your standard calendars, but with the 12 Day version offering up amazing pieces of jewellery worth over £700, we think it’s a pretty good deal.
What’s inside the Astrid & Miyu 12 Day Advent Calendar?
Black Pear Charm Huggies
Black Cluster Titanium Piercing Stud
Crystal Cluster Pendant Necklace
Crystal Set Hoops
Crystal Duo Studs
Crystal Cluster Bracelet
Crystal Set Hoop 6.5mm
Pavé Illusion Hoops
Black Crystal Graduated Huggies
Navette Drop Studs
Black Pavé Ear Cuff
A&M Coin and Voucher (worth £150
Perfect for anyone who loves classic, minimalist jewellery with a touch of sparkle, it’s a chic alternative to the usual chocolate countdown and makes the ideal present for any fashion lovers in your life.
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After more jewellery advent calendars? The Sif Jakobs Essenza Advent Calendar, £268 is a great option for the lead up to Christmas. Instead of traditional 12 or 24 day calendars, this has four days designed to be opened up every Sunday towards Christmas Day.
An expert has pinpointed the sad moment that Princess Kate seemingly decided ‘self-preservation mode’ was the way to go amid the Waleses’ ongoing feud with Prince Harry and Meghan
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Kate went into ‘self preservation mode’ amid feud, expert claims(Image: PA)
Prince Harry may finally be making progress in healing his relationship with his dad King Charles, but the same can’t be said when it comes to his estranged brother Prince William or sister-in-law, Princess Kate.
Since stepping back as working royals, Harry and Meghan have been extremely candid about their grievances towards the rest of the Royal Family, but according to Harry’s memoir Spare, relations started breaking down between the Sussexes and Waleses long before the couple took the plunge and moved to California.
The duke was once much closer to Kate and William, but as it stands, it doesn’t seem like making up is in the cards. The couples have only crossed paths on a couple of occasions since the Sussexes’ bombshell royal exit.
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And now body language expert Judi James has pinpointed one particular moment in these few occasions when it seemed like Kate quickly chose to go into “self-preservation mode” rather than engage with the ongoing feud.
It occurred shortly after the late Queen’s death, when Harry, William, Kate, and Meghan all went to meet well-wishers in Windsor, and view tributes left to the late monarch.
Formerly dubbed the ‘Fab Four’, the two couples arrived in the same car, but Kate quickly walked by herself, rather than engaging in a group dynamic, the expert pointed out to the Daily Mail.
It was the first time the two couples had reunited so publicly since relations had broken down, and given the loss of the beloved Queen, it was a high-profile moment, so it was “no surprise” Kate decided to do what worked for her, the expert said.
“Kate appeared to use spatial behaviour and distancing to make her own point about group dynamics and a lack of desire to turn an homage to a dearly-loved Queen into a soap-style drama.”
Judi continued, “her body language suggested a very focused future Queen wanting to pay her respects to a late Queen with the kind of decisive firmness and resolve that Elizabeth II was famous for.”
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Royal author Omid Scobie also explored the moment in his book Endgame, in which he revealed that Meghan had been, according to sources, “extremely nervous” about interacting with the public, and that during the drive to the walkabout, the two couples had barely spoken in the car, simply “muddled through light small talk” given the ongoing tension between them.
Meanwhile, sources close to Kate told royal author Robert Jobson that due to the soured relationship between the Waleses and the Sussexes, the future Queen found the walkabout, “one of the hardest things she ever had to do”.
