ALBERT SQUARE HEROINES Barbara, June Wendy and Pam taught me the ropes I feel I hold that baton'

Actress Natalie Cassidy opens the door of her stunning home as she pays tribute to her East Enders co-stars, shares family memories and celebrates feeling fabulous at 40

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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.