Natalie Cassidy’s New Roles Canceled Six Months Post-EastEnders Exit
Natalie Cassidy, known for her iconic role as Sonia Fowler in EastEnders, has recently faced setbacks in her post-soap career. Two of her new projects have been canceled within just six months after her departure from the BBC series.
Natalie Cassidy’s New Roles Canceled
The 42-year-old actress revealed that her consumer program, What’s The Big Deal?, is unlikely to return due to disappointing performance ratings, as confirmed by Channel 4 executives. Cassidy expressed disappointment, stating, “I don’t think it went down very well, if I’m honest. There is no talk of it returning.”
Podcast and Channel 4 Show
In addition to her consumer program, Cassidy’s podcast, Off The Telly, co-hosted with Joanna Page from Gavin and Stacey, has also ended suddenly. This podcast was intended to be a fun exploration of television, but its cancellation has left Cassidy feeling deflated. At a recent literary festival in Somerset, she noted that the BBC tends to cancel projects that do not achieve massive popularity.
- Channel 4 Show: What’s The Big Deal? – Canceled after poor viewership.
- Podcast: Off The Telly – Terminated unexpectedly.
Despite the disappointments, Cassidy reflected positively on her experiences. She emphasized how much she enjoyed working on these projects, stating that they were significant ventures outside of her long-standing acting role.
Impact of Leaving EastEnders
Natalie Cassidy’s exit from EastEnders in April 2025 ended a 32-year run. Her character, Sonia, navigated intense storylines leading up to her departure.
- Character Exit: Sonia Fowler left after facing dramatic personal losses.
- Career Highlight: Cassidy began her role as Sonia at the age of 10.
Throughout her time in EastEnders, Cassidy garnered awards, including the Best Dramatic Performance from a Young Actor or Actress at the British Soap Awards in 2004. Now, she is using her time to promote her memoir, Happy Days, which reflects on her life and career.
In conclusion, while Cassidy’s attempts at branching out into new media have faced challenges, her longstanding legacy in EastEnders remains a prominent part of her identity. As she moves forward, fans remain hopeful for her future endeavors.
