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 â and sheâs the first to admit sheâs âabsolutely bricking it.â

This exciting news has thrilled fans and stirred curiosity about Cassidyâs new journey beyond Albert Square. Her participation in the cooking competition marks a significant departure from her usual acting gigs, and sheâs not pretending itâs going to be easy.
đ©âđł From EastEnders to EntrĂ©es
Natalie Cassidy has been a household name in the UK for decades. As Sonia Fowler, sheâs navigated heartbreak, scandal, and family feuds on EastEnders. But in Cooking with the Stars, itâs not about dramatic monologuesâitâs about mastering soufflĂ©s 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.
đ° âIâm Bricking ItââHer Own Words
Natalie confessed in a recent interview that the experience has her more nervous than any soap scene ever has.
âIâve been on telly for most of my life, but this is totally different. I canât hide behind a character. I have to be meâand I have to cook without burning the kitchen down!â
Her honesty is one of the reasons fans adore her. She doesnât pretend to be a master chef. In fact, she admits her experience with cooking has mostly involved âbeans on toast and chicken nuggets for the kids.â That candid humility may become her greatest asset on the show.
đšâđł 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.
Natalieâs mentor is reportedly a fiery but compassionate Michelin-starred chef known for mentoring nervous newbies. Their chemistry could be key to her progressâor possibly the source of major drama in the kitchen.
đ„ Why This Means So Much to Her
For Natalie, this isnât 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 sheâs fully herself is a bold move.
She shared:
âThis is about proving to myself that I can do something new, something scary, and come out stronger.â
It’s a chance for her to step into a space that requires vulnerabilityâsomething the public rarely gets to see in a celebrity best known for playing a scripted role.
𫹠Expect Laughs, Tears, and a Lot of Butter
Fans can expect plenty of memorable moments. Natalieâs warm, unfiltered personality is perfect for reality TV. Whether sheâs accidentally salting sugar cookies or burning a bĂ©arnaise sauce, itâs sure to be compelling television.
Insiders from the set reveal that sheâs already had a few kitchen meltdownsâand a few unexpected triumphs too. Apparently, her attempt at a traditional roast dinner left even her mentor âgobsmacked.â
đŹ What Fans Are Saying
Social media is buzzing with excitement:
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âYES! Natalie Cassidy on a cooking show? Iâm watching every week.â
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âSheâs going to be hilarious and totally real. Go Natalie!â
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âIf she doesnât win, sheâll still win our hearts.â
Her ability to laugh at herself and stay grounded in chaos has made her an early fan favoriteâeven before the first episode airs.
đ 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. Sheâs not chasing perfectionâsheâs 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 Britainâs best chefs, thereâs every chance she could surprise everyoneâespecially herself.
đ Behind the Scenes
Reports from crew and co-stars say Natalie brings infectious energy to the set. Sheâs been seen dancing in the prep room, cracking jokes during prep, and even crying over a failed risotto.