Natalie Cassidy, best known for her long-standing role as Sonia Fowler on EastEnders, is trading drama for dishes in an unexpected career twist. The beloved soap actress is officially stepping into the culinary spotlight on the hit reality competition Cooking with the Stars — and she’s the first to admit she’s “absolutely bricking it.”

This exciting news has thrilled fans and stirred curiosity about Cassidy’s new journey beyond Albert Square. Her participation in the cooking competition marks a significant departure from her usual acting gigs, and she’s not pretending it’s going to be easy.

👩‍🍳 From EastEnders to Entrées

Natalie Cassidy has been a household name in the UK for decades. As Sonia Fowler, she’s navigated heartbreak, scandal, and family feuds on EastEnders. But in Cooking with the Stars, it’s not about dramatic monologues—it’s about mastering soufflés and searing steaks under pressure.

Paired with a professional chef mentor, Natalie will face weekly culinary challenges designed to push her out of her comfort zone. From exotic cuisine to complex desserts, each episode will test her adaptability, patience, and palate.

😰 “I’m Bricking It”—Her Own Words

Natalie confessed in a recent interview that the experience has her more nervous than any soap scene ever has.

“I’ve been on telly for most of my life, but this is totally different. I can’t hide behind a character. I have to be me—and I have to cook without burning the kitchen down!”

Her honesty is one of the reasons fans adore her. She doesn’t pretend to be a master chef. In fact, she admits her experience with cooking has mostly involved “beans on toast and chicken nuggets for the kids.” That candid humility may become her greatest asset on the show.

👨‍🍳 The Format

Cooking with the Stars pairs celebrities with top UK chefs. Each week, celebrity-chef duos go head-to-head in themed cook-offs, where they must recreate complex dishes under time pressure. The show is notorious for its high-stress environment, hilarious mishaps, and surprising skill development.

Natalie’s mentor is reportedly a fiery but compassionate Michelin-starred chef known for mentoring nervous newbies. Their chemistry could be key to her progress—or possibly the source of major drama in the kitchen.

🔥 Why This Means So Much to Her

For Natalie, this isn’t just another gig. After years of personal struggles with confidence and public scrutiny over her body image and mental health, stepping into a space where she’s fully herself is a bold move.

She shared:

“This is about proving to myself that I can do something new, something scary, and come out stronger.”

It’s a chance for her to step into a space that requires vulnerability—something the public rarely gets to see in a celebrity best known for playing a scripted role.

🫢 Expect Laughs, Tears, and a Lot of Butter

Fans can expect plenty of memorable moments. Natalie’s warm, unfiltered personality is perfect for reality TV. Whether she’s accidentally salting sugar cookies or burning a béarnaise sauce, it’s sure to be compelling television.

Insiders from the set reveal that she’s already had a few kitchen meltdowns—and a few unexpected triumphs too. Apparently, her attempt at a traditional roast dinner left even her mentor “gobsmacked.”

💬 What Fans Are Saying

Social media is buzzing with excitement:

• “YES! Natalie Cassidy on a cooking show? I’m watching every week.”

• “She’s going to be hilarious and totally real. Go Natalie!”

• “If she doesn’t win, she’ll still win our hearts.”

Her ability to laugh at herself and stay grounded in chaos has made her an early fan favorite—even before the first episode airs.

🏆 Could She Win It All?

While Natalie is the underdog compared to some of the more culinary-savvy contestants, her willingness to learn and emotional strength could carry her far. She’s not chasing perfection—she’s chasing growth. That journey may resonate more with audiences than technical excellence alone.

As she learns knife skills, plating tricks, and flavor pairing from one of Britain’s best chefs, there’s every chance she could surprise everyone—especially herself.

🔍 Behind the Scenes

Reports from crew and co-stars say Natalie brings infectious energy to the set. She’s been seen dancing in the prep room, cracking jokes during prep, and even crying over a failed risotto.