EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy, who has played Sonia Fowler in the BBC soap since 1993, has announced her first project after quitting the soap earlier this year
EastEnders icon Natalie Cassidy has spilled the beans on her ‘dream come true’ venture that awaits after her departure from the BBC One soap.
Earlier this year, it was revealed that Natalie, 41, had taken the decision to exit Albert Square following a remarkable 32-year run, with her making this choice last summer.
Joining the soap as a child star at the mere age of 10 in 1993, she turned into a fixture on the streets of Walford, embroiled in numerous dramatic plots over time.
Eagerly turning to Instagram on Tuesday evening, Natalie was thrilled to share the news about her life post-EastEnders, sharing that she ‘can’t believe it’ because it’s ‘a dream come true’.
The star wrote: “ANNOUNCEMENT! I’ve only gone and written a book! Can’t believe it. It’s called ‘HAPPY DAYS’ and is available to pre order now- link in my bio or just search up happy days and my name wherever you buy your books.”
She continued: “I’ve always loved books and to have my own one coming out this year on October 9th- is a dream come true. HAPPY TUESDAY. #books #first #joy #loss #telly #family #life #me #bebrave #newera #newme”, reports Plymouth Live.
The comments section of her post quickly filled with messages of support from her 528K followers and fellow EastEnders cast members. Patsy Palmer, known for her role as Bianca Jackson, chimed in with encouragement: “We are going to love it!” accompanied by a heart emoji.
Support and excitement are pouring in for Natalie, as one fan enthused: “Congratulations Natalie I bet this is going to be brilliant can’t wait to read it! !”, while another account exclaimed: “Fab news! ! I really don’t know how you find the time! !” A third joined the chorus of praise, saying: “Oh my goodness I cannot wait for this” and yet another admirer declared: “Wow this is fabulous news – well done x.”
It comes as Natalie previously told The Sun on Sunday about her decision to leave EastEnders: “I’m 42 this year, I just feel like it’s time to be brave. You don’t want to get to 70 and think, ‘I never tried that’. I’ve loved this programme with all my heart. I started at ten, it’s in my bones, it’s in my heart.”
She added: “I’d been thinking about it for a little while. I had a wonderful chat with Chris back in the summer. It’s just exciting.”
Natalie admitted as an actress “you can’t hypothesise or worry about what’s going to happen to your character”, saying: “That is down to the boss and the storyliners as the fate of Sonia is in their hands. I’ve had to take a deep breath, and go, ‘I’ve made my decision, I’ve just got to let it play out’.”
