God. I've been watching EastEnders since I was in secondary school, and I swear Sonia Fowler has been through more drama than I've had hot dinners. Now Natalie Cassidy's branching out, and honestly? Good for her.
The soap veteran (feels weird calling her that when she's only 41) has just landed herself a sweet little gig at Virgin Radio after announcing her departure from Albert Square earlier this year. After three decades of playing the trumpet-tooting nurse, can you blame her for wanting something new?
From Walford to the airwaves - a career pivot that's been a long time coming
I remember when Natalie first appeared on our screens back in '93. I was sitting in my parents' living room eating microwave pizza, completely unaware this character would still be relevant 30 years later. Wild.
She's taking over Virgin Radio for a special Easter Monday show, running from 1-4pm. You can tune in via teh app or just yell at your smart speaker if you're feeling lazy (which, let's be honest, on a bank holiday, who isn't?).
Natalie sounds properly nervous about it too, which makes me like her even more. She said: "I'm very excited. This year I'm trying to branch out and do brave things, and this is one of them. I feel very honoured to have been given a chance on Virgin Radio. I'm a very big fan of the station and music in general."
Then she added something that made me laugh: "So to actually come in and do my own show feels very daunting, but there's a first time for everything."
What the hell will she play?
Apparently Oasis and Amy Winehouse are top of her list. Solid choices. "Valerie" is what she called "a karaoke family classic" which... yeah, accurate. Who among us hasn't belted that out after a few too many proseccos at a cousin's wedding?
This radio gig comes hot on the heels of her podcast success with "Off The Telly," which she co-hosts with Joanna Page from Gavin and Stacey. My mate Dave listened to an episode last month and texted me immediately: "Why is this actually good though???" I feel like that sums up everyone's reaction.
Sacrificing a bank holiday? She's used to it.
Working on Easter Monday might sound like a drag to most of us (I'm planning to be horizontal on my sofa surrounded by chocolate wrappers, thank you very much), but Natalie pointed out that EastEnders actors rarely get proper holidays anyway.
"Back in EastEnders we'd be filming, we didn't really have bank holidays. What holiday?" she said.
Then came the most relatable comment ever: "I'd be at home with the kids, relaxing probably. I say relaxing, I don't really sit down. I'd probably be cleaning and doing the washing."
I felt that in my soul.
So how's poor Sonia leaving the Square?
After burying Martin (still not over that, btw) and reuniting with her daughter Bex, who came back from her travels looking suspiciously well-rested for someone who's supposedly been backpacking, Sonia's got an unexpected escape route.
Her estranged father Terry Cant has suddenly reappeared in her life. Why now? Because of course Bianca released a true crime podcast. (In 2025, who hasn't?)
Terry's now invited both Sonia and Bex to move to Bali with him. BALI. After spending 30 years in Walford, I'd probably jump at the chance too. I went to Bali back in 2018 and spent $4K on what was supposed to be a "budget" trip. Worth every penny though.
My friend who works at the BBC production office (and who will absolutely murder me if she finds out I'm sharing this) told me over drinks last week that Natalie's final scenes were emotional for everyone. "Even the sound guy was crying," she said. "And that man is basically made of stone."
The trumpet-playing nurse deserves her happy ending
Let's be real. After everything the writers have put Sonia through over the years, a one-way ticket to paradise seems like the least they could do.
I'll miss her though. My Tuesday and Thursday evenings won't be the same.
EastEnders continues on BBC One and you can catch up anytime on iPlayer if you're one of those people who binge-watches a week's worth in one go (adn then complains about having nothing to watch... I'm guilty of this too).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do UK soap operas handle controversial topics?
UK soap operas often address controversial topics, such as mental health, domestic violence, and addiction. They aim to raise awareness and spark conversation among viewers, providing a platform for important social issues.
What are the most popular UK soap operas?
The most popular UK soap operas include "EastEnders," "Coronation Street," "Emmerdale," and "Hollyoaks." Each has a dedicated fan base and has been on air for several decades, contributing significantly to British television culture.
What themes are commonly explored in UK soap operas?
UK soap operas often explore themes such as family dynamics, love, betrayal, social issues, and personal struggles. They reflect real-life situations and societal challenges, making them relatable to viewers.
How long has "EastEnders" been on air?
"EastEnders" first premiered on February 19, 1985. It has since become one of the longest-running and most recognized soap operas in the UK, known for its compelling storylines and diverse characters.
How do UK soap operas influence popular culture?
UK soap operas have a substantial impact on popular culture, often shaping fashion trends, music, and social conversations. They introduce catchphrases and memorable moments that resonate with the audience and become part of the cultural lexicon.
Statistics
- The average viewership for "EastEnders" is approximately 5 million viewers per episode.
- "Coronation Street" holds the record as the longest-running soap opera in the UK, having first aired in 1960.
- Each episode of a UK soap opera typically has a production budget ranging from £100,000 to £250,000, depending on the complexity of the storyline and production requirements.
- As of 2023, "Emmerdale" has won the British Soap Award for Best British Soap multiple times, with over 20 wins.
- In 2022, "Hollyoaks" addressed mental health issues through a storyline that received significant media attention and praise.
- Research indicates that viewers of soap operas are more likely to discuss social issues with friends and family, demonstrating the genre's impact on social discourse.
- More than 30% of the UK population watches at least one soap opera regularly.
- As of 2023, "EastEnders" has featured over 3,000 episodes since its launch, making it one of the most prolific soap operas in history.
External Links
How To
How To Keep Up With Soap Opera Storylines
To stay updated with the latest storylines in UK soap operas, utilize multiple platforms. Begin by watching episodes as they air or using catch-up services offered by networks. Following official social media accounts of the shows can provide teasers, spoilers, and behind-the-scenes content. Consider subscribing to entertainment news websites or magazines that cover soap operas, as they often feature storyline recaps and interviews with cast members. Additionally, engaging in online forums or fan groups can facilitate discussions about current plots, helping you to grasp ongoing developments better.
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