Natalie Cassidy, a beloved figure in British television, has officially bid farewell to her iconic role as Sonia Fowler on the long-running soap opera EastEnders after more than three decades. The 41-year-old actress, who first graced the screen at the tender age of 10, has expressed her desire to explore new opportunities in her career while also prioritizing family time.
Having left EastEnders, Cassidy is now looking forward to her new role as the presenter of Channel 4's upcoming consumer show, What’s The Big Deal?, which premieres on April 4, 2025. The show will feature Cassidy investigating popular products that have garnered attention on social media, testing their effectiveness and whether they live up to the hype.
In a recent interview, Cassidy shared her thoughts on her departure from the show, stating, “I left because I felt the time was right to do so. I was ready for a change, after 32 years.” She reflected on the challenges of balancing her busy career with family life, admitting, “It had to be a clean break so I could focus on other projects and spend time with my family, which I haven’t been doing in recent months.”
As she embarks on this new chapter, Cassidy is also contemplating wedding plans with her fiancé, Marc Humphreys, with whom she has been engaged for a decade. Despite their long engagement, she acknowledges that their hectic schedules have made it difficult to plan their dream wedding. “That would be nice wouldn’t it? It’s a bit of a nightmare. We’re always busy and we always say yes to things,” she quipped.
Living in Hertfordshire with Humphreys and their two daughters, Joanie, eight, and Eliza, 14, Cassidy is eager to find a better balance between her professional and personal life. She has expressed a desire to take advantage of the newfound flexibility that comes with leaving the soap, stating, “Now I can look at a diary and say: ‘I’m not working that day.’”
During her time on EastEnders, Cassidy became a household name, particularly known for her character Sonia's dramatic storylines. One of her most memorable moments came during the show's 40th anniversary live episode, where her character gave birth in The Queen Vic, a scene that captivated 3.7 million viewers. Reflecting on this experience, Cassidy remarked, “It was brilliant. It was a real challenge being asked to give birth on-screen live but it was an honour.”
As she transitions away from her role as Sonia, Cassidy has taken steps to reinvent herself, including a new hairstyle featuring extensions and highlights, which she feels better represents her personal style. “I’ve had some lovely extensions put in my hair, which I’ve not been able to do for a long time,” she shared.
While Cassidy has left EastEnders, her love for the show remains strong. “I’ll always miss Sonia, but I’m going to watch the show,” she affirmed, expressing her intention to keep in touch with her former colleagues.
In her new role as a presenter for What’s The Big Deal?, Cassidy will delve into various products, from vegetable choppers to LED face masks, assessing their practicality and popularity among consumers. “We looked at barefoot trainers, vegetable choppers, LED facemasks; it’s all things people think, ‘oo, there’s a bit of hype about it’ and buy it,” she explained.
Moreover, Cassidy has been candid about her experiences with late-night online shopping, humorously recounting a recent purchase of gold slippers that did not meet her expectations. “I bought gold slippers online for £80 which were rubbish. They looked awful and I hated them,” she said, highlighting the pitfalls of impulsive buying.
Beyond presenting, Cassidy is also pursuing her passion for comedy, having already secured a role in the BBC Three series Boarders. “I love comedy or even an old-fashioned kind of sitcom,” she expressed, showcasing her desire to explore diverse roles in the entertainment industry.
As she embarks on this new journey, Cassidy is determined to embrace her individuality and share her authentic self with her audience. “I do like being myself and I think over the last few years with Instagram and the podcasts, people really enjoy me being myself,” she remarked.
While the transition from a beloved soap star to a multifaceted entertainer may seem daunting, Cassidy is ready to tackle new challenges head-on. Her enthusiasm for her future endeavors is palpable, and she looks forward to what lies ahead.
As she prepares for the premiere of What’s The Big Deal?, Cassidy invites viewers to join her on this exciting adventure, promising to deliver engaging content that resonates with everyday consumers. “It’s about those one-click purchases!” she said, emphasizing the relatable nature of the show.
In a world where the line between reality and entertainment continues to blur, Cassidy's journey serves as a reminder of the importance of authenticity and balance in both personal and professional realms. With her sights set on new horizons, Natalie Cassidy is poised to captivate audiences in ways that extend far beyond the confines of Albert Square.
As fans eagerly await her next moves, one thing is clear: Natalie Cassidy is not just leaving EastEnders; she is stepping into a new era of her life, filled with opportunities and possibilities.
