Natalie Cassidy, best known for playing Sonia Fowler on EastEnders, recently opened up about how the soap's legendary matriarchs shaped her career. In a candid interview with The Guardian, Cassidy reflected on learning from icons like Wendy Richard, June Brown, Pam St Clement, and Barbara Windsor. These powerful women taught her everything about acting, from comedic timing to emotional depth.
Early Days on Albert Square
Cassidy joined EastEnders in 1993 at just 10 years old. She played Sonia Fowler for over three decades, making her final exit in April 2025. Despite her youth, she was a consummate professional who never arrived late. The cast and crew became like a second family to her.
One of her fondest memories involves a trumpet scene at her character's mother's wedding. The writers gave Sonia a trumpet to play, adding light and comedy to the role. Cassidy notes that humor often fades after long stints on soap operas, but that moment remained special.
Learning from the Best
Instead of socializing with other child actors, Cassidy gravitated toward the older, more experienced cast members. She would sit with Wendy Richard (Pauline Fowler), June Brown (Dot Cotton), Pam St Clement (Pat Butcher), and Barbara Windsor (Peggy Mitchell). These matriarchal figures became her acting mentors.
“Those amazing, matriarchal women taught me everything I needed to know about being an actor,” Cassidy said. She admits it has been sad losing most of them over the years. Many of her friends are now in their 70s, and she accepts that befriending older people means facing loss.
Childhood and School Challenges
Cassidy grew up in a calm, quiet home in Islington, London. Her parents were in their 40s when she was born, and her brothers were much older. She also helped care for her grandmother, Nanny Liz, until she passed away when Cassidy was nine. That experience made her love the noisy, energetic atmosphere on set.
At school, things were tougher. Other students were jealous of her television fame, so she ended up hanging out with the “naughty lot.” She found solace in her work, where she was always respected and valued.
Anna Scher Theatre School
Cassidy joined Anna Scher’s theatre school at age eight. Scher created an inclusive environment where anyone could participate for just £2. She gave Cassidy her first big break by putting her up for the EastEnders audition in 1993.
“Nobody in my family was in entertainment – my dad was a newsagent – and we didn’t even watch EastEnders,” Cassidy recalled. Her parents preferred Coronation Street. If they had known how huge the show was, she says, they might not have let her join.
Career Beyond EastEnders
After leaving the soap in 2007, Cassidy returned several times before her final exit. She has worked in theatre and appeared in TV shows like Psychoville, Motherland, and Boarders. She also hosts the podcast Life With Nat and co-hosts Off the Telly.
Her latest project, Natalie Cassidy: Caring Together, is now available on BBC One and iPlayer. The documentary highlights her work as a carer and her advocacy for elderly people, a cause close to her heart since childhood.
Key Takeaways from Natalie Cassidy's Journey
- Early start: Joined EastEnders at age 10, playing Sonia Fowler for over 30 years.
- Mentors: Learned from legendary actresses like June Brown and Barbara Windsor.
- School struggles: Faced jealousy from peers but found a supportive family on set.
- Family background: Grew up in a quiet home with older parents and a beloved grandmother.
- Continued work: Active in theatre, TV, and podcasting after leaving EastEnders.
FAQ: Natalie Cassidy and EastEnders
When did Natalie Cassidy join EastEnders?
Cassidy joined the soap in 1993 at age 10 and played Sonia Fowler until her final exit in April 2025.
Which EastEnders matriarchs influenced her?
She credits Wendy Richard, June Brown, Pam St Clement, and Barbara Windsor as her acting mentors.
What is Natalie Cassidy doing now?
She hosts two podcasts, appears in TV shows, and recently starred in the BBC documentary Natalie Cassidy: Caring Together.
