Although EastEnders has experienced some challenging ratings, its long-standing cast talent has always been a key factor in regaining its popularity.
Due to the passing of June Brown, who played Dot Branning for 40 years until 2020, BBC executives had hoped to develop Natalie Cassidy’s role. Nat has won EastEnders fans’ hearts ever since she first appeared as trumpet-blazing Sonia Jackson in 1993.
The actress has spent time away from the soap before always making a comeback. However, she reportedly shocked producers when she revealed that EastEnders would be her last and final acting break.
Natalie, 41 officially announced the news on Friday. “I feel extremely sad to be writing this, but also very excited”, she said in a statement. I’ve been on the sidelines for 11 solid years, and I’ve decided it’s time to move on to new pastures. I will always remember where I began my career and how much I adored the show because EastEnders is deeply embedded in my heart.
The final scenes for Cassidy will be set during the series’ 40th anniversary week, which kicks off on February 17th.
Behind the scenes, show bosses are said to be reeling. An insider told The Sun: “Bosses are well aware of Natalie’s popularity. Her much-loved character has been a fixture of Albert Square for more than 30 years, and the locals were hoping to see her fill Dot’s enormous vacuum by becoming a Walford stalwart and busybody for gossip and advice. However, despite spending three-quarters of her life watching EastEnders, Natalie has managed to establish herself outside of the soap and has grown too big for it.
The show’s success has always been attributed to her ability to play such a relatively “normal” character, which is why viewers love her so much. By being herself, Natalie has cultivated a remarkable social media following. She has over 500, 000 followers on Instagram and has her own podcast, Life With Nat.
The actress and partner cameraman Marc Humphreys have two daughters, Joanie Elizabeth Cassidy-Humphreys and Eliza Beatrice Cotrell from a previous relationship. In addition, the pair give reviews on TV shows in their own BBC Sounds series Off the Telly.
Will the soap make her disappear? A massive explosion will break out during Eastenders’ 40th birthday week, and Sonia could be one of the tragic fatalities. Her on-screen reputation has been bleak, with her most recent arrest and sensational conviction for killing Debbie, Reiss Colwell’s wife.
The ultimate goal has always been to become a comedian. Natalia auditioned for Gavin and Stacey to play Smithy, the sister of James Corden’s character, but Sheridan Smith was chosen instead. And she revealed last year that Ricky Gervais, a comedy star, has been desperate to star in a project. She said: “It’s my dream. I watch (Ricky’s comedies) After Life and Derek and I’m like, ‘ Why haven’t I done that? Why can’t I be on things like that? ‘”
Ricky has given her a role in his latest Netflix series, an animated comedy about cats – Kerry Godliman, Diane Morgan, Joe Wilkinson and David Earl, who regularly star in his programmes. However, it’s obvious Natalie wants more, and she could finally realize her dream without having to rely on the constantly revolving door to Walford.
Source: Mirror
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