EASTENDERS legend Natalie Cassidy has landed a brand new BBC show following her soap exit – and it’s worlds away from Walford.
Natalie, 41, bowed out as Sonia Fowler in poignant scenes aired earlier this month.
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BBC Daytime have commissioned a new series – under the working title Natalie Cassidy Learning to Care – for BBC One and iPlayer.
The actress will fulfil her longtime ambition of wanting to train as carer.
This means enrolling at one of the UK’s top Health & Social Care colleges – alongside the next generation of carers.
In recent years, Natalie has cared for family members and volunteered in local groups.
Read more on Natalie Cassidy
The show follows her journey across classroom to community care services – as she’s there for life’s toughest moments.
While to fully make things official, the actress will have to pass her final exam.
Natalie said: “I’m thrilled to be embarking on a new adventure with BBC Daytime.
“In a series exploring social care, I will be going back to college and learning for the first time since leaving school at 16.
“Caring has always been a huge part of my life, from watching my mum care for my nan, to being a mother to caring for my dad, this series is close to my heart and I can’t wait for you to see it.”
Muslim Alim, Commissioning Editor for BBC Daytime commented: “We are thrilled to be working with Natalie Cassidy on this exciting new series.
“Audiences know and love Natalie for her humour, honesty and heart — and now they’ll see her in a whole new light as she throws herself into the world of care, not as a celebrity, but as a student carer learning from the ground up.
“Natalie’s personal experiences have given her a deep, authentic connection to care, and through her journey, we hope to celebrate the unsung individuals who dedicate their lives to helping others.”
It is the star’s latest project away from playing Sonia Fowler in EastEnders.
Sonia Fowler’s biggest EastEnders storylines
Sonia Fowler has featured in EastEnders since 1993, and after starring in thousands of episodes, has been featured in storylines ranging from teenage pregnancy to a cancer scare. Here are some of her biggest.
- Teen Pregnancy and Birth of Chloe Jackson (1999-2000)
Sonia discovered she was pregnant at the age of 15. Viewers were shocked by the sudden birth, as the teen went into labour without even realising she was pregnant. Martin Fowler turned out to be Chloe’s father. Sonia initially decided to give the girl up for adoption. - Death of her boyfriend (2002)
Sonia’s boyfriend, Jamie Mitchell, was hit by a car driven by her baby’s father. Jamie had just bought an engagement ring for his girlfriend before being struck down by the thoughtless Martin, who was texting while driving. Although the Jamie was rushed to hospital, docs said his liver was irreparably damaged, and he ended up dying with Sonia by his side. - Marriage to Martin Fowler and Family Tensions (2004-2007)
In a shock twist Sonia went on to marry the man responsible for her previous boyfriend’s death. Their relationship was marred by conflicts and infidelity, and they went on to split up after just three years. At one point in their marriage Sonia was taken hostage by Sarah Cairns, who became obsessed with Martin after he flirted with her during a drunken night out. The couple went through struggles again when the adoptive parents of their daughter were killed in a car crash, leaving them responsible for Rebecca. Because of the tension in their relationship Sonia ended up cheating on her husband with one of her co-workers, nurse Naomi Julien. - Custody Battle for Rebecca (2005-2007)
Baby Chloe, who was renamed Rebecca, was kidnapped by her mum early in life before being returned to her adoptive parents. After Neil and Sue Miller died they awarded Martin full custody of the child because of Sonia’s extra-marital affair. The mum was left distraught to be cut out of her daughter’s life. - Gastric Band Surgery and Weight Struggles (2014-2015)
Sonia became insecure about her weight and arranged to have a secret gastric band surgery in Bulgaria. She later collapsed at an exercise class after suffering complications from the operation. - Discovery of Bex’s Suicide Attempt (2019)
Sonia’s daughter Rebecca tried to take her own life in a heartbreaking storyline which left viewers in tears. She found Bex unconscious after taking an overdose, and was devastated. Sonia blamed herself for pushing her daughter to breaking point, as she had tried to force her into going to Oxford despite Bex saying she didn’t feel ready for university.
She also fronts the Channel 4 consumer affairs show What’s the Big Deal?
Meanwhile, fans can hear Natalie on two podcasts – Off the Telly (alongside Joanna Page) as well as Life with Nat.
She also took part in The Masked Singer earlier this year, in disguise as Bush.
Natalie placed fourth overall, being eliminated alongside singer Example as Bear.
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