Latest news with #NatalieCassidy
Daily Mail
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Paloma Faith insists SHE was bullied after EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy claimed singer tormented her at 'rough' London school which has a very famous history
Natalie Cassidy has spilled on her tough school days, claiming that her famous classmate Paloma Faith bullied her. But in a twist to the tale, Paloma's comments about her own torment at school have emerged. EastEnders star Natalie, 42, and singer Paloma, 43, both attended Islington Green School, with Paloma in the year above Natalie. Writing in a 2012 tweet, Paloma insisted her school days were far from easy, insisting: 'Yes I got bullied at school. I had braces and before that, wonky teeth.' The stars are both from around the same area, with Natalie born in Islington and Paloma raised in Hackney. Islington Green, which has since been renamed the City of London Academy Islington, has a famous history after its choir landed the job of singing the iconic Pink Floyd line 'we don't need no education' on 1979 hit The Wall. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Fast forward two decades and the school was once again in the headlines when in 1995 Tony Blair rejected the local comprehensive for his son Euan, who instead received his secondary education at London Oratory in Hammersmith. Two years later, after Blair was elected Prime Minister, the school was placed in special measures. Natalie thought back to her school days on her podcast Life With Nat when her bad experience with Paloma came up. She claimed: 'Paloma Faith, she bullied me at school. She went to Islington Green and was in the year above me. We've spoken about it and she has said sorry about that. Gutted.' Paloma, who has a degree in contemporary dance and once worked as a magician's assistant, has previously called Islington Green 'very, very rough,' adding that 'the police were there every day; there was a lot of violence.' But in spite of classmate Natalie's comments and her bullying, Paloma has called herself 'a pacifist,' explaining how her school's 'tough environment helped me develop a strong sense of self. I had to learn to stick to my guns and be stubborn.' She has also spoken positvely about her 'incredible' teachers, gushing in an interview with The Standard: 'They were very encouraging to me. I was put in the Hackney Gazette because it was a failing school and I got all As at GCSE.' She has pointed out though that whilst she was inspired by the creative nature of her school, she didn't receive any formal music training, declaring: 'I did it all myself. I had no famous parents, no stage school, no BRIT School.' 'I didn't have lessons, ever, I just copied records.' After completing her A Levels at City and Islington College, Paloma went on to study for a degree in contemporary dance in Leeds before receiveing an MA in theatre directing at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design. She juggled a huge array of part time jobs during her studies including as a sales assistant at Agent Provocateur, a singer in a burlesque cabaret and a magician's assistant. Natalie meanwhile landed the role of Sonia Fowler whilst still at school, auditioning when she was just 10. Alongside her studies at Islington Green, Natalie took acting classes at Anna Scher Theatre School, where she was spotted doing improvisations by EastEnders' writer and director Tony McHale and casting advisor Jane Deitch. Natalie has played Sonia on and off since 1993 but she will soon exit the soap as part of the 40th-anniversary celebrations. Announcing the news, Natalie explained that turning 42 this year made her feel it was time to 'be brave' and explore new opportunities. 'You don't want to get to 70 and think, "I never tried that"' she said. Natalie also expressed her deep love for the show, saying: 'I've loved this programme with all my heart. I started at ten, it's in my bones, it's in my heart.'
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy claims huge pop star 'bullied her at school' and they have spoken about it since
Natalie Cassidy has claimed Paloma Faith used to bully her when they were at school together. The EastEnders actress, 42, and the pop singer, 43, both attended Islington Green School with Paloma in the year above Natalie. The ladies are both from around the same area, with Natalie born in Islington and Paloma raised in Hackney. Natalie thought back to her school days on her podcast Life With Nat when her bad experience with Paloma came up. She claimed: 'Paloma Faith, she bullied me at school. She went to Islington Green and was in the year above me. We've spoken about it and she has said sorry about that. Gutted.' From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Paloma had a very different experience at school, which has since been renamed the City of London Academy Islington. She said: 'I had a really amazing experience. People were always criticising it but the teachers were just so brilliant. 'It was really creative, with really great art, music and dance departments. I really enjoyed it.' MailOnline has contacted a representative of Paloma Faith for comment. While Natalie may have had bad experiences during her school days, the future is looking bright for the soap star. The actress could reportedly be set to 'make millions' following her EastEnders exit as an expert predicts she could be lined up for several projects. The soap actress, 41, who has played the role of Sonia Fowler since she was 10 years old, will exit as part of the show's 40th-anniversary celebrations and insiders have billed her as the 'next Stacey Solomon '. Brand expert Nick Ede told The Sun that Natalie's income is set to skyrocket as he revealed exactly how Natalie, who recently competed as Bush in The Masked Singer, can make this her most successful move following her departure. He said: 'Obviously EastEnders gives a really good salary and shows like Strictly, which she did in 2009, pay very well. 'But away from the BBC she can now do endorsement deals and commercial deals - she can utilise her following on social media to promote stuff. 'I know she's going to be hosting a couple of documentaries for Channel 4, which is quite interesting because people like her.' And he concluded that she will become 'more famous' and 'make a couple more millions' as said she could take on I'm A Celeb next because she has already competed on Strictly. In her first interview since announcing the news, Natalie explained that turning 42 this year made her feel it was time to 'be brave' and explore new opportunities. She told The Sun: 'I'm 42 this year, I just feel like it's time to be brave. You don't want to get to 70 and think, 'I never tried that'.' Natalie also expressed her deep love for the show, saying: 'I've loved this programme with all my heart. I started at ten, it's in my bones, it's in my heart.' The decision to leave came after a heart-to-heart with EastEnders boss Chris Clenshaw six months ago. The star said: 'I'd been thinking about it for a little while. I had a wonderful chat with Chris back in the summer. It's just exciting.'
The Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
EastEnders' Natalie Cassidy claims huge pop star used to BULLY her at school and reveals awkward confrontation
Former EastEnders star NATALIE CASSIDY has claimed that Paloma Faith used to BULLY her at school. Actress Natalie, 42, who played Sonia Fowler on the BBC1 soap, made the shock confession about popstar Paloma, 43, who grew up in the same area of East London as Natalie, on her podcast Life With Nat. 3 3 She revealed: 'Paloma Faith, she bullied me at school. She went to Islington Green and was in the year above me. We've spoken about it and she has said sorry about that. Gutted.' Indeed, the pair both used to attend the same secondary school, now called the City of London Academy Islington. However, the Make Your Own Kind of Music hitmaker had a VERY different experience to Natalie at school, describing it as 'one of the best periods of my life'. She said: 'I had a really amazing experience. People were always criticising it but the teachers were just so brilliant. "It was really creative, with really great art, music and dance departments. I really enjoyed it.' We have reached out to Paloma Faith's representative for a comment. Natalie - who quit as EastEnders' Sonia Fowler in January more than three decades after her first appearance - recently suffered a huge blow. It was confirmed earlier this month that the BBC wouldn't be re-commissioning her podcast with Joanna Page. A spokesperson told The Sun: "What started as a six month project turned into more than a year of joyous TV chatter, and over 80 heart-warming episodes. "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. But it's not all bad news as Natalie has landed her own show with the broadcaster, titled Learning To Care. It will follow the actress as she fulfils her longtime ambition of wanting to train as carer.
The Sun
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Huge blow for Natalie Cassidy and Joanna Page as show AXED just one year after launching
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. 6 6 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 6
The Sun
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
EastEnders' Lacey Turner set to rake in huge seven figure payday in money-spinning deals after quitting BBC soap
EASTENDERS star Lacey Turner is set to rake in a huge seven figure payday with a string of money-making deals after quitting the soap. The Sun revealed yesterday that Lacey, who plays Stacey Slater, will be off screens later this year to focus on life and opportunities outside of Walford. 6 6 6 The actress, 37, who opened up about being frugal amid the cost-of-living crisis, is set to make a fortune with brand deals lining up to work with her and TV shows hoping to secure her as a signing. EastEnders have strict rules that cast members can't engage in major endorsement deals while employed by the BBC to maintain impartiality - but Lacey won't have to worry about that after her departure. A source said: " Lacey Turner is one of the most popular EastEnders characters, her exit can only mean one thing... she's about to rake in a fortune. "Brands and TV shows will be lining up to work with her. "Lacey has the opportunity to significantly boost her income away from the show through brand partnerships, podcasts, fashion collaborations, and potentially reality television appearances. "It's estimated she could earn over £1.5 million this year. "Having previously collaborated with brands like Asda, she could explore creating her own fashion or children's clothing line for a supermarket brand like George or F&F. " Lacey may even follow in the footsteps of co-star Natalie Cassidy, who also quit the show last month. Natalie has gone onto present a variety of documentary-based TV shows, including Channel 4 show What's The Big Deal. The source continued: "Lacey openly spoke about the cost off living crisis being frugal, so she could also consider a documentary focused on money-saving tips for parents or a motherhood-related program." Elsewhere, Lacey is set for big opportunities with huge TV shows like Strictly Come Dancing and I'm A Celebrity potentially knocking on her door. It's not the first time EastEnders stars have landed big-money deals to star on Strictly, with the likes of James Bye, Louisa Lytton, Jamie Borthwick, and Rose Ayling-Ellis all having taken part in prior years. While Jacqueline Jossa, Charlie Brooks, Dean Gaffney and Danielle Harold all appeared on ITV 's I'm A Celebrity after leaving the soap. While other venues include more podcast work, which has become increasingly popular with soap stars, and other TV acting roles. They continued: "Acting-wise, Lacey has a strong track record. "Her lead role in Our Girl after her initial departure from EastEnders mirrored Michelle Keegan 's career trajectory and suggests she could find similar success in drama. "A second series of her BBC production podcast We Started Here, could also become a viable income stream outside of her soap role." While Lacey ruled out an appearance on Celebrity Big Brother in the past, citing a lack of bravery, she mentioned in 2017 that she turned down Strictly due to being on television, despite wanting to learn to dance as she says she has two left feet. However, she did express that she might consider it in the future. While said she'd love to do I'm a Celebrity, but is concerned about the distance from home and getting hungry. The source went on to say: "There's speculation about Lacey participating in Strictly Come Dancing or I'm a Me Out of Here!. "She could easily follow in the footsteps of some of her co-stars like Louisa Lytton of Patsy Palmer who have appeared on reality shows after leaving the soap. "If she does participate in a reality show and continues with brand deals and podcasts, it's highly likely her earnings will exceed £1.5 million, this year, more than tripling her EastEnders salary." Speaking to The Sun last week, Lacey said she was becoming more "brave" and "bold" when it comes to her career and other projects. During the interview, Lacey opened up about her We also revealed that Lacey will be leaving the soap but bosses are already planning for her comeback. Lacey told the Sun: 'It's time for myself and Stacey to take a rest and who knows what Stacey will get up to in her time away? Knowing Stacey, it will never be boring." A soap insider said: "Lacey made the decision last year to take some time out from the show, she's had a busy year both on and off screen, so it feels a good time to give Stacey a rest. "Lacey loves EastEnders, and it's no secret how much EastEnders love Lacey, so it's not a question of if she will be back, but when.' An EastEnders spokeswoman said: "We can confirm that Lacey will be off-screen later this year, but there is plenty of more drama to come beforehand and we will look forward to planning Stacey's return when Lacey decides the time is right.' Just weeks after giving birth, she returned from maternity leave to play her part in Martin Fowler's exit scenes in the show's live episode. And Lacey's character Stacey left fans in tears as she said an emotional goodbye to Martin in February. In heartbreaking scenes he proposed and planned the next 40 years of their lives before the paramedics told Stacey that he would likely not survive his injuries. Stacey couldn't bring herself to tell Martin what was happening, but he realised and then tragically died in her arms. Lacey has become a household name thanks to her long career on Albert Square playing the role of Stacey Slater. Lacey has become a household name thanks to her long career on Albert Square playing the role of Stacey Slater. Away from the drama of Eastenders, she enjoys quiet domesticity with her husband Matt Kay and their kids. Her departure comes as the star recently opened up on motherhood and its challenges. She said: "The world today leads you to believe that the most expensive option is the best option, but that's not the case. "I want people to know that being frugal is nothing to be ashamed of, it's a skill. "We don't dress our children in designer clothes, it's perfectly okay to dress your children in high street clothes. "It's crazy in the world we're living that people are saving up to be parents. "Being a parent is one of the most amazing things that can happen that are lucky enough to be parents, it's natural thing for most people to want to be a parent, so why aren't we making it normal, easy and open and honest as possible." DAILY PRESSURES The actress also discussed her biggest pressure as a mum as she revealed a sweet piece of advice her nan gave her about parenting. The telly star said: "You make decisions daily as a parent, it changes with age, the older they get there's different decisions to make. "You want what is best for them, you want them to have the best nutrients they can have, you want them to watch the programmes they are going to learn from and not a load of rubbish. "There's daily pressures. "I try and remind myself of the most, I talk about my nan a lot but my nan always used to say to me, she's very old school... she used to say 'as long as they have a full belly, clean clothes and they're loved, that's all that matters', as long as you're doing your best, then that's good enough. "Sometimes when life gets crazy and it does, the work for people never ends now, it used to end on a Friday, it doesn't. "The world moves at 100mph, as a nation we don't get that chance to stop, which we used to do. "Add being a parent into that, it's hard, it's so much harder than it should be - being a parent should be enjoyable and it should be made as simple and easy as possible and it shouldn't cost you a fortune." Lacey reportedly scoops a five-figure salary for the EastEnders role she started in 2004. Yet she opened up on the "daily struggles" shared by many as costs of everyday items, as well as bills, soar. She told of the impact of the financial climate on her family and said: "You do what you can. "Ultimately if you strip everything back we're all the same, it doesn't matter what industry you're in. "You could be a broker, you could be hairdresser, you could be a gardener - we're all facing the same struggles daily. "Some people earn more money than others but everyone has different kinds of problems and ultimately underneath that is the judgement. "You cannot judge people you don't know, you never know what another person is going through." 6 6 6
