View from my sofa: Natalie Cassidy

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What’s the view from your sofa?

In this setting, we have two sofas. One of them faces the television, while the other offers a scenic view of charming fields. Originally a city girl, residing in Islington, North London, I opted for a change and relocated to a more rural environment. For my two daughters, this shift has been particularly beneficial.

What do you like about living in the countryside?

In a more casual and engaging tone: We love taking leisurely strolls around here. With the local pub and community center, it’s reminiscent of ‘The Vicar of Dibley.’ There’s this strong feeling of neighborliness that seems to be less prevalent in urban areas.

What have you enjoyed watching?

At Glastonbury as a whole, we hosted our relatives, transforming our home into a mini-festival of its own. As for me, I prefer unwinding and enjoying relaxing shows such as Gardeners’ World, University Challenge, or Grand Designs when I have free time. With age, my preference for television leans towards gentle programming.

If you’re a Gardeners’ World fan, does that mean you like gardening?

My partner, Marc Humphreys (a cameraman), leans more towards gardening than I do. With two children and a full-time job, I find that gardening is typically something you pursue when you have some extra time. However, I do take pleasure in it whenever I can. It can be quite soothing – potting plants, observing seeds grow, or watering the garden during the evenings after particularly hot days.

You’re a contestant on Cooking with the Stars. Do you enjoy cooking?

It sounds as if food isn’t just fuel to you, as it is for some people.

I have a strong affection for food, whether it’s preparing dishes or dining out with others. There’s nothing more fulfilling to me than cooking for people and witnessing their delight in what I’ve made. To me, cooking is the soul of bonding within families and friendships.

Was there ever a conflict between enjoying food and the close examination of one’s body, being a woman, since you launched weight-loss DVDs in 2007 and 2013?

The DVD wasn’t a wise choice for me, as it was primarily driven by financial motivations. At 42 years old, I admit that I could use more physical activity in my life, but I find myself lacking the motivation. I often ponder, “If this is the body shape I’m supposed to have, then I must learn to accept it.” I don’t binge eat, rather I savor my meals. I appreciate a glass of wine and a packet of crisps, but they can’t be a daily indulgence. I believe in everything in moderation. On the contrary, if I try to shed a significant amount of weight, my days tend to lose their sparkle.

That sounds like sensible behaviour to be modelling for your children.

In a simpler manner, I’d say: “I truly believe this is the case. With all the focus on appearance, I often remind people, ‘You’re incredibly fortunate to see, to hear. As long as you’re taking care of yourself – not overindulging in substances like alcohol or food – we should appreciate that we’re simply fortunate to be alive.’

Was it difficult to leave EastEnders after 32 years of playing Sonia?

It felt entirely intuitive to take this step. Often, we get so immersed in something that it seems like our only option, but when I took a break from “EastEnders” last year, I decided to participate in “The Masked Singer” and a show for Channel 4 titled “What’s the Big Deal: Britain’s Best Buys?“. If you’re not open to new experiences, you’ll never discover what lies beyond. Thus, I chose to bid farewell to Sonia and explore other opportunities.

What is out there?

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that my podcast [Life with Nat] has been thriving, and there’s even more excitement ahead as I’m set to publish my book [Happy Days] in October. I can hardly contain my anticipation for a challenging or humorous acting role to come my way, but for now, I’m absolutely relishing the freedom of simply being myself after embodying Sonia for such an extended period.

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2025-08-26 16:34