Natalie Cassidy Ditches Reality TV After EastEnders Exit
Natalie Cassidy, the face of Sonia Fowler on EastEnders for over three decades, has made it clear she’s done with reality TV. After leaving the BBC soap earlier this year during its 40th anniversary, Cassidy is eyeing new ventures—but reality shows like I’m A Celebrity and Dancing On Ice? No thanks.
“I’m Such a Scaredy-Cat” – Why Natalie Won’t Do Reality TV
Speaking exclusively to The Sun’s TV Mag, Natalie confessed she’s a bit of a scaredy-cat when it comes to gruelling reality formats. Despite past appearances on Celebrity Big Brother, Strictly Come Dancing, and The Masked Singer, she’s waving goodbye to the likes of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!
“I always think about I’m A Celebrity and I just don’t know if I can do it as I’m such a scaredy-cat,” she said. “I don’t like heights, I don’t like insects. I mean, I just think I’d be up every night, walking up to Ant and Dec, crossing that bridge for another trial.”
Though she enjoyed Strictly Come Dancing, Natalie feels these reality shows have become too ubiquitous. “I feel that now’s the time to do a few different things,” she added.
Bittersweet Goodbye to EastEnders
After 32 years on and off as Sonia Fowler, Natalie opened up about the tough decision to leave the soap that feels like home. Starting at just 10 years old, stepping away hasn’t been easy.
“It’s not a job to me, EastEnders. I’ve been there on and off for 32 years, and I’m only 42 this year. It’s a hard place to leave,” she said. “There was a lot of thought over it, but it’s the right time and the right decision, I’m sure of it.”
One big bonus to her exit? Freedom to plan her life. “With EastEnders, every week you’re waiting for a Thursday to know what you’re doing for the next week. You can’t book a theatre show, you can’t say to your children: ‘I’ll be there on sports day.’ Now I can look at a diary and say: ‘I’m not working that day.’ I do feel that you have more freedom. I can plan!”
What’s Next for Natalie?
These days, Natalie’s focusing on her podcast projects, which are buzzing along nicely and giving her confidence about life post-EastEnders. While she’s open to new gigs, she’s wary of reality TV without the right cause.
“If I’ve got a very large tax bill and get offered an extreme amount of money, then you might see me in the jungle,” she joked.
Fans will be watching closely as Natalie turns the page to exciting new chapters—just no bug-eating trials, please!
