For years, fans have known Natalie Cassidy as Sonia Fowler from EastEnders, but behind the fame, the actress has had her share of struggles with body image.
Now 41, Natalie has admitted that the weight loss DVDs she once fronted were not about fitness or health—they were simply about money.
In a candid interview with Radio Times, she revealed that she was paid £100,000 to slim down for her two workout films, Then & Now and The Perfect Ten.
Looking back, she confessed: “The DVD wasn’t a good move for me—I did it for the money.
I’m now 42, and to be honest, I could be doing more exercise at the moment, but I just can’t be bothered.
If this is the size I’m meant to be, then I need to be happy with that.”
A Healthier Approach to Food and Lifestyle
Natalie made it clear she isn’t obsessing over strict diets anymore.
She enjoys her food, loves a glass of wine, and doesn’t say no to a packet of crisps—but all in moderation.
“If I go the other way and want to lose a lot of weight, my days aren’t as good,” she admitted, showing how her outlook on health has shifted from appearance to balance.
Holiday Happiness in Crete
Her new mindset was on full display earlier this month during a sunny family holiday in Crete.
Sharing photos on Instagram, Natalie looked confident and radiant while soaking up the sun in a chic green and cream bikini.
She also posted moments with her fiancé, cameraman Marc Humphreys, enjoying poolside fun, Aperol Spritz cocktails, and plenty of family games like UNO.
Natalie captioned her holiday snaps with gratitude, writing about “10 days of pure family time” and thanking the villa company that hosted them—though she made sure to note it was not an advertisement.
Saying Goodbye to Albert Square
After three decades on EastEnders, Natalie is officially preparing to say farewell to her beloved character, Sonia Fowler.
She joined the soap at just 10 years old back in 1993 and has been a fixture on the show ever since.
But with her final scenes set to air this Thursday, the actress is ready for her next chapter.
A Bold Step Into Radio
Natalie isn’t slowing down after her EastEnders exit.
She’s already branching out into new opportunities, including a special one-off hosting gig at Virgin Radio.
Taking to Instagram, she excitedly announced she will be on-air this Easter Monday from 1pm to 4pm.
“This year I’m trying to branch out and do brave things, and this is one of them,” she said.
“I feel very honoured to have been given a chance on Virgin Radio.
I’m a big fan of the station and music in general, so to actually come in and do my own show feels very daunting, but there’s a first time for everything.”
Finding Her Voice Beyond TV
Natalie has already dipped her toes into broadcasting with her podcast Off The Telly, co-hosted with Gavin & Stacey star Joanna Page.
The move into radio feels like a natural next step, giving her the chance to connect with fans in a whole new way.
For Natalie Cassidy, this stage of her career seems less about fitting into someone else’s image and more about enjoying life, family, and fresh opportunities—on her own terms.
