Huge blow for Natalie Cassidy and Joanna Page as show AXED just one year after launching

Scottish Sun

15-05-2025

Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
NATALIE Cassidy and Joanna Page have been dealt a huge blow after the BBC failed to re-commission their podcast.
The EastEnders alum, 42, and Gavin and Stacey favourite, 48, had teamed up for the audio shows discussing all things on and off the box.
Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter
Sign up
6
Natalie Cassidy and Joanna Page's Off The Telly podcast is coming to an end
Credit: Off The Telly - BBC
6
It came after Natalie Cassidy quit EastEnders after 32 years
Credit: BBC
6
Her co-hist, Gavin and Stacey icon Joanna Page, asked fans for their favourite moments from Off The Telly
Credit: Off The Telly - BBC
Natalie had addressed Masked Singer theories suggesting she was Bush - which proved to be correct - on the pod, as well as opening up on her nerves for EastEnders' 40th anniversary episode.
Yet the episodes, which generally clock in at under an hour long, will now come to an end.
Welsh screen star Joanna took to her Instagram Stories to post an image of the pair promoting their show and the words: "Our lovely pod is ending and we want to hear from you about your favourite Off The Telly moments.
"Send us a voicenote," before stating the contact number.
The Sun has reached out to the BBC for comment.
A BBC spokesperson told us: 'What started as a six month project turned into more than a year of joyous TV chatter, and over 80 heart-warming episodes.
"Though they both loved making the series, Natalie Cassidy and Joanna Page have very busy schedules and on the 21st May, the final episode of Off the Telly will be released on BBC Sounds.
"Thank you to Nat and Jo for their warm recommendations and insider analysis, and to the whole team for keeping listeners in the loop with what to watch.
"We look forward to working with Nat and Jo again soon!"
Natalie, who told of her decision to quit her EastEnders role as Sonia Fowler earlier this year, still has her own podcast, Life With Nat.
ALL CHANGE
The podcast scrap came after we reported how Natalie had landed a new TV show with the broadcaster last month, shortly after she quit EastEnders after 32 years on the soap.
BBC Daytime have commissioned a new series - under the working title Natalie Cassidy Learning to Care - for BBC One and iPlayer.
The actress will fulfil her longtime ambition of wanting to train as carer.
This means enrolling at one of the UK's top Health & Social Care colleges - alongside the next generation of carers.
EastEnders Natalie Cassidy rushes to her nephew's aid in hospital after he dramatically collapsed and 'woke up in a body bag'
In recent years, Natalie has cared for family members and volunteered in local groups.
The show follows her journey across classroom to community care services - as she's there for life's toughest moments.
While to make things official, the actress will have to pass her final exam.
Natalie said: 'I'm thrilled to be embarking on a new adventure with BBC Daytime.
EastEnders stars who QUIT
MICHELLE Collins has seen her second EastEnders stint boost her bank balance. Yet what stars have quit this year?
The Sun exclusively reported how Michelle, 62, was down to £20,000 in her company accounts when she agreed to a shock back-from-the-dead return to Albert Square last year.
Her character, Cindy Beale, was presumed dead off-camera in 1998.
Yet what about the 2024 exits?
Earlier this summer, loyal soap fans appeared to note how Stevie Mitchell had "quit" the long-running series.
It came after Alan Ford enjoyed just six-months on-screen.
Bobby Beale actor Clay Milner Russell also left this year after five years in Walford.
Fans also feared Martin Fowler actor James Bye would "quit out of boredom" over recent storylines.
Additionally, a host of stars have quit the BBC soap for Hollywood fame.
One of the most successful stars to come from the BBC One soap is Rob Kazinsky.
He played Stacey Slater's brother Sean Slater from 2006 to 2009, he has starred in Hollywood blockbusters Pacific Rim and Captain Marvel.
Ben Hardy, who quit EastEnders as Bobby Beale almost a decade ago, went on to break Hollywood the following year, when he starred as Archangel in X-Men: Apocalypse.
Since then, he has played Roger Taylor in Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, and he starred in Michael Bay's Netflix movie 6 Underground.
Michelle Ryan played Zoe Slater until 2005.
She starred as the lead in short-lived American series Bionic Woman from 2007 to 2008.
"In a series exploring social care, I will be going back to college and learning for the first time since leaving school at 16.
"Caring has always been a huge part of my life, from watching my mum care for my nan, to being a mother to caring for my dad, this series is close to my heart and I can't wait for you to see it.'
She also fronts the Channel 4 consumer affairs show What's the Big Deal?
The screen favourite also took part in The Masked Singer earlier this year, in disguise as Bush.
Natalie also took to Virgin Radio for a special show over Easter.
6
The pair's 'busy schedules' are to blame for the show ending
Credit: steve bright
6
Joanna is best known for her role as Stacey Shipman in Gavin and Stacey on the BBC
Credit: PA