It's been an incredible 30 years since Natalie Cassidy first arrived in Albert Square as Sonia Jackson. A lot has changed since that cheeky 10-year-old won the nation's hearts, and now, as one of Britain's most recognisable soap actors, Natalie enjoys idyllic family life far removed from Albert Square in her beautiful Hertfordshire home.
"I just can't believe that I've grown up on the telly," self-confessed "home bird" Natalie says, as she welcomes OK! inside. "It's been nothing but an amazing joy. I just feel so grateful and lucky to have had that in my life. My character Sonia has had ups and downs, but the biggest thing I feel is that she's become a bit of an icon."
From the moment we walk through the front door we can see why she tells us, "This is my happy place. I'm proud of it"
The EastEnders star, who lives with fiancé Marc Humphreys, daughters Eliza, 13, and Joanie, seven, proudly shows us round, describing her huge kitchen as “the heart of the home” where she hosts lots of family dinner parties.
Natalie also has her own space, which she refers to as the “posh lounge”. She says, “I don’t really allow many people in it. I don’t allow the children in with food. They’ve got to be bathed with their pyjamas on, and then they’re allowed to sit in it!”
She adds, “We did it up from scratch and I’m really proud of how it’s come out.”
The room contains green sofas, a cream carpet and some very personal touches, too. It has a bookshelf, filled with art books, and a side table with a trumpet as the support – a nod to Sonia’s infamous musical talents – which was a gift for Natalie’s 40th birthday in May.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
TAKE CARE OF YOUR GUT
Simple lifestyle and dietary changes can improve digestion, boost immunity and enhance your overall wellbeing
I'll cherish my friendship with Vito for the rest of my life'
Last year's Strictly winner Ellie Leach tells OK! about life on tour in Cluedo 2 and reuniting with her dance partner
'If one little thing had gone wrong, my entire path in life would have changed'
TV presenter Charlene White on her strict Jamaican upbringing in southeast London, her own tough parenting style and why she'd love the Princess of Wales to be a guest on Loose Women
I have seen cockroaches the size of terriers'
Joanna Lumley shares travel tales that aren't for the faint-hearted, Ab Fab gossip and other stories from her legendary screen career
'Once you become a parent, the times when you leave the house are extra special'
Comedian Joel Dommett on returning to the I'm A Celebrity jungle and how fatherhood has changed him
'We're so pleased our rainbow baby is here'
Mrs Brown's Boys actor Gary Hollywood and his wife Cherylanne invite us into their home to meet special new arrival Carter
'Ballroom dancing is your real school of life'
Former Strictly star Kristina Rihanoff on why she thought she'd never dance again after becoming a mum and how her daughter Mila is now following in her footsteps
A CELEBRATION FOR THE KING
As King Charles marks his 76th birthday, we hear how our beloved monarch may take time to reflect on a difficult year and look ahead to a busy, brighter 2025
WILLIAM'S 'BRUTAL' YEAR
The Prince Of Wales praises his wife and father as he opens up on the tough challenges of 2024 while visiting Cape Town to present the Earthshot Prize Awards
'Love is there for absolutely everybody'
Emmerdale star James Moore - who has cerebral palsy and once thought he would never marry - and his wife Sophie Edwards chat to OK! about their big day