Natalie Cassidy laughs through kissing girls and says she gets less stubble rash
Dressed in a fluffy white robe and Gucci trainers, Natalie Cassidy is perched on a stool, squinting as mascara is applied around her huge brown eyes. Nursing a cuppa, the softly spoken actress is under the weather.
And she’s had a stressful morning thanks to the car we sent for her not turning up, then a second one failing to find her house, which led to her having to meet the driver in a car park.
But total pro that she is, Nat has taken medicine, doesn’t seem fazed, and is now getting dolled up for a photoshoot to celebrate EastEnders turning 35.
This week the soap – which made her a household name – marks its birthday with a dramatic boat party that sees one character meet their maker in the Thames…
‘I can’t say a word!’ laughs Natalie. ‘But I’m not on the boat.’
The 36-year-old has played Sonia since she was a trumpet-tooting 10-year-old, and admits it’s lovely to glam up because ‘there’s not much chance normally as Sonia!’
In person, the size 10, 5ft 4in star has the most beautiful complexion. ‘I think it’s hereditary. My mum
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Nat’s endured battles with her weight, and a rocky former relationship, but today she seems in a very happy place, having found love with Marc Humphreys, an EastEnders cameraman.
The pair – set to wed this year – live in Hertfordshire with their three-and-a-half-year-old daughter Joanie, and nine-year-old Eliza (from her relationship with Adam Cottrell).
She opens up about having the best job in the world and feeling at ease in her own skin…
You’ve been in EastEnders for over 25 years. What are your earliest memories of the show?
I remember coming home from school and being told I got the part by Mum and Dad. I went to Anna Scher Theatre School, but we weren’t a starry family and didn’t really know what to expect.
There wasn’t a big celebration, as we had no idea how long it would last.
My first day, in October 1993, wasn’t particularly daunting. Because I was so young. I just got on with it. The years went by… and I got to 16 and had the job of my dreams.
Though it was always pretty embarrassing trying to play the trumpet when you can’t play, I’ve still got it in the loft.
It must have been tough growing up in the public eye?
Growing up in the spotlight is all I know. I was called a beached whale in the press when I was 12. It was awful.
I understand now why my mum was so angry and protective of me, I would be exactly the same if it was one of my daughters. But you do develop a thick skin, you have to, really.
Would you let your daughters act?
They are both quite dramatic! I know it’s a cliché, but so long as they are happy. I would never stop them from doing something they wanted.
I wouldn’t encourage them so much, but if they were desperate to do it I’d let them. Being a teenager is harder today with phones and social media.
What kind of mum are you?
A good one, I hope. My children are what I am most proud of. I always wanted to be a mum and I’m a very maternal person.
We play a lot of games, as they’re not allowed screens. People use screens as babysitters too much. Eliza wants to watch EastEnders now, but I don’t let her.
Kellie Bright (who plays Linda) is amazing in her alcoholism storyline, but it’s hard to watch and is not appropriate for a nine-year-old. So we do a lot of playing, which is tiring.
I come to work for a rest, for some mummy-free time! I’m not sure about having more kids, two is a lot. My mum used to say ‘You’ve got two hands to hold them.’
You look great. How is your body confidence these days?
I feel very at ease with myself now as I’ve got older. Throughout the years I’ve gone through a lot of ups and downs.
I did the fitness DVD and lost weight, then I put loads of weight on. I don’t have regrets in life – I always look forward, not back.
Now I just know the simple things work: eat well, exercise, drink lots of water, all the boring things. But I feel like my body is the size it should be now.
I’m 37 in May and I feel more confident about who I am and what I look like, 100 per cent.
Sonia’s had some juicy storylines: pregnant at 15, adopting then kidnapping the baby, lesbianism, the BRCA gene. What’s been your highlight?
Giving birth was a large story to carry. It was lovely to be asked to do it aged 16. You don’t worry as much at that age, you just throw yourself into it.
And doing the two-hander episode with June Brown (Dot) was exhilarating. Now I’ve had my own children I understand that love you feel for your child.
Also when Sonia’s boyfriend Jamie (Jack Ryder) was killed at Christmas 2002, that was a goodie. Jack and I were very close, so I was heartbroken he was leaving.
That was also the year my mum passed away, in the May. I filmed those scenes in the October, so it was very therapeutic. It was a tough year. But it had everyone crying into their turkey, which is what you want from EastEnders !
With Sonia’s on/off relationship with Martin, you’re like Walford’s Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor…
But a lot less glamorous! My opinion is Sonia will always love Martin, and it’s quite sad really, because I don’t think he loves her in the same way. I think Martin will always have that love for Stacey.
Sonia has quite a sh*t and hard life. She does shift work, nurses don’t get paid a lot, she’s head of a geriatric ward. When she comes home she hasn’t got anyone there.
If Martin doesn’t want her, will she end up on her own? That would be sad. Or maybe she’s just an independent woman and doesn’t need anyone?
Are you and James Bye (Martin) mates?
Yeah, absolutely. We get on really well. We are both big fans of Ricky Gervais, so we quote bits of Extras or The Office at each other. We don’t socialise together outside of work, though, as we both have families.
Who else are you close to?
If I want advice I go to Steve McFadden (Phil) or Adam Woodyatt (Ian). They’re like my brothers, who’ve helped and guided me over the years.
Tish (Letitia Dean, Sharon) is lovely, and Gilly (Gillian Taylforth, Kathy), Shona McGarty (Whitney), Maisie Smith (Tiffany Jnr) and Lacey Turner (Stacey) and I are all mates.
Everyone has their own dressing rooms, but there’s also a big open area with sofas on set. You’ll always find me there with a nice cup of tea, learning my lines and talking to everyone.
I like to make new people feel welcome, it’s a daunting show to come into, so I hold my hand out and let people know I am there.
Sonia is bisexual. Is it different kissing girls to boys?
Not really, it’s all just work, isn’t it? Less stubble rash. It’s a job and you get on with it. I don’t find kissing scenes awkward, you just make it a laugh.
Sonia’s dabbled – but I don’t like to put a label on her sexuality, ‘lesbian’ or ‘bisexual’. Sonia just falls in love with human beings. Martin is her main love, but who knows what will happen in the future?
And your own future?
It’s all brilliant. I’ve got a lovely family and a job I love. I’m happy and lucky.
Is there anything you worry about?
I worry about everything. Not at nighttime, because I’m a good sleeper.
Describe yourself in three words…
Kind. Generous. Professional. I pride myself on not being late, not having days off, and learning my lines. Whatever work I do, I like to do it well.
– EastEnders is on BBC1, weeknights
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