EastEnders Star Natalie Cassidy Shares Rare Family Photo After Emotional Exit from the Soap
Former EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy delighted fans this week by sharing a rare family snapshot featuring her fiancé Marc Humphreys and their two daughters, Eliza and Joanie. The heartwarming photo comes shortly after her emotional departure from the BBC soap, where she portrayed Sonia Fowler for more than three decades.
A Family Celebration in Style
The Cassidy-Humphreys family marked a special occasion with a lavish dinner at 45 Park Lane in Mayfair, London — a celebration for Marc’s 40th birthday. Natalie shared the photo following the evening, showing the smiling family posing alongside celebrity chef Elliott Grover, whom she befriended during her time on ITV’s Cooking with the Stars.
Natalie beamed as she described the experience as “the most beautiful day,” praising Grover and the restaurant team for their hospitality.
“We have had the most amazing meal at 45 Park Lane,” Natalie wrote. “I met Elliott Grover when I did Cooking with the Stars. He’s one of the best head chefs in the world and is so down to earth and genuine — which is why we hit it off immediately.”
A Perfect Day for the ‘Love of My Life’
In her touching caption, Natalie shared that the day was all about celebrating Marc’s milestone birthday. The couple enjoyed cocktails, family time, and what Natalie called “the best steaks ever” at the hotel’s luxury restaurant, CUT at 45 Park Lane.
“As a family of four, it can be hard to think of things to do. But swimming for an hour, cocktails, and then the best steaks ever was certainly the right thing to do,” she wrote.
“Here’s to the next 40 with the love of my life and our daughters.”
She also thanked hotel general manager Lee Kelly for creating an “incredible stay,” praising the service, ambience, and food as “the best we have ever had.”
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Fans React with Love and Nostalgia
Natalie’s followers flooded the comments with messages of admiration and warmth, praising the photo and sending birthday wishes to Marc.
One fan wrote, “What a beautiful family you have, Happy 40th Marc!” while another commented, “Sounds like the perfect way to celebrate.”
Others pointed out how much Natalie’s youngest daughter looks like her, with one fan noting, “Wow, Joanie is your double, Natalie! Lovely photo.”
A New Chapter After EastEnders
Natalie’s post comes just weeks after her emotional exit from EastEnders during the show’s 40th anniversary celebrations. After playing Sonia Fowler for nearly 32 years, the actress stepped away from Albert Square to focus on family and future projects.
Her character’s departure left many fans hopeful she’ll eventually return — and judging by her heartfelt posts and positivity, Natalie seems to be cherishing every moment of her well-earned break.