“I acted myself a broken bone,” Natalie reveals in shock confession about live 40th anniversary episode

“I Went for It—and It Snapped”

In a jaw-dropping revelation, EastEnders legend Natalie Cassidy has shared the behind-the-scenes horror of filming one of her most dramatic scenes ever—giving birth as Sonia Fowler during the soap’s 40th anniversary live episode. The actress, 42, fractured her sternum while rehearsing the intense sequence, an injury more commonly associated with high-speed car accidents.

Appearing on comedian Katherine Ryan’s podcast What’s My Age Again?, Natalie revealed:

“I really went for it… and my sternum popped out. I finished the rehearsal and later found out I’d fractured it.”

Despite the excruciating pain, Natalie powered through, filming the episode live without medical intervention until the job was done.

“You Acted Yourself a Broken Bone”

Doctors were left stunned by the injury. Cassidy shared that when she finally went to hospital, the medical staff asked if she had checked her bone density—suggesting the force she exerted on her own body was equivalent to a collision injury.

Katherine Ryan joked:

“You acted yourself a broken bone!”

Cassidy now takes daily vitamins and admits she’s more conscious about her bone health, although she also laughed off the situation with pride, saying:

“I could break my sternum in a heartbeat!”

The Scene That Broke Her

The moment in question saw Sonia give birth to baby Julia during the show’s 40th anniversary celebration earlier in 2025. The episode was broadcast live, heightening the pressure on everyone involved. Cassidy, known for her full-throttle commitment to emotional scenes, didn’t hold back—earning her both praise and a cracked sternum.

Viewers were none the wiser. On screen, she delivered a powerhouse performance. Off screen, her chest was fracturing under the physical toll of the moment.

A Legacy of Tough Storylines

Cassidy’s portrayal of Sonia has been a cornerstone of EastEnders for over 30 years. From teenage pregnancy to heartbreak, weight struggles to family trauma, her character has endured it all. Cassidy filmed her final scenes in late 2024, with her departure airing earlier this year in February.

Reflecting on her time in Walford, she said:

“EastEnders is in my bones. I’ll never forget where I started my career, and I will always love the show.”