A Moving Conversation on The One Show
Former EastEnders actress Natalie Cassidy, beloved for her long-running role as Sonia Fowler, opened up about the pain of losing both her parents during an emotional interview on The One Show. Now 42, Natalie revealed how writing her new autobiography, Happy Days, helped her come to terms with years of unprocessed grief.

Speaking with hosts Alex Jones and Lauren Laverne, Natalie shared that writing the book became a form of healing. When Alex asked if the process was cathartic, Natalie replied, “It was. Putting it down on paper and linking it all up in your brain really helps. You have all these different pictures and thoughts, and actually getting them down on paper helped me make sense of it all.”

Coming to Terms with Loss
Natalie lost her mother as a teenager and her father in 2021. Reflecting on those painful moments, she admitted that her father’s passing reopened emotions she had long buried. “I lost my dad four years ago, and the grief of my dad actually brought back everything about my mum,” she said softly. “I didn’t really deal with my mum’s death at the time. I was only 19. I think I just shoved it in a corner. So, writing about it really helped me process it properly.”

Her honesty resonated deeply with viewers, many of whom praised her courage in sharing such personal experiences on live television.

A Touching Tribute to June Brown
During the same interview, Natalie also paid heartfelt tribute to the late EastEnders legend June Brown, who passed away in 2022 at the age of 95. Known for her iconic role as Dot Cotton, June was not only a co-star but a close friend to Natalie.

“She was amazing, honestly,” Natalie said with a smile. “When you think about the generations we were apart—me being about 18 or 20, going for dinner with June in her late seventies—we were like best mates. That’s what’s so special about our industry. Everyone mixes together, no matter your age or background.”

A Legacy Beyond Walford
Natalie Cassidy, who joined EastEnders at just ten years old, has grown up in front of audiences. Her openness about grief and self-reflection continues to inspire fans who have followed her journey both on and off-screen.

As she turns the page on her next chapter with Happy Days, Natalie’s story serves as a powerful reminder that healing often begins when we find the courage to confront the past.