Cooking with the Stars returns for its sizzling fifth season, and this time, EastEnders’ own Natalie Cassidy—aka Sonia Fowler—is trading soap drama for kitchen drama. The beloved actress joins a fresh cast of celebrities diving headfirst into a culinary competition that promises more than just burnt pans and gourmet triumphs—it’s about nerves, friendship, and discovery.

Hosted by Emma Willis and Tom Allen, the ITV series brings together eight celebrities, each paired with an elite professional chef. For Natalie, the journey began with wide-eyed excitement and a deep passion for food. “I jumped at the chance,” she admitted. As someone who’s long dreamed of doing a cooking show, Natalie’s enthusiasm was matched only by her admiration for the professionals guiding the way.

Her culinary mentor is none other than Tony Singh, a master of fusing Scottish ingredients with Asian flair. The partnership was instant magic. “We got on like a house on fire,” Natalie beamed. “It was just such a laugh from the start.” But behind the laughter was a steep learning curve. Known at home for staples like roast dinners, spaghetti and meatballs, and chilli, Natalie confessed she felt out of her depth exploring complex spices, pastes, and cultural dishes.

Still, it wasn’t just the kitchen that dazzled her—it was the chefs themselves. Natalie described being “starstruck” by the likes of Jack Stein and Elliott Grover, describing her time on the show as a dream for any food lover. “I’m a geek when it comes to chefs,” she admitted. “To sit there and talk food with them—it felt like I’d won a competition.”

In the season’s opening episode, Natalie goes head-to-head against radio presenter Jordan North, testing her new skills under pressure. Each week, the bottom two celebrities face a brutal elimination round, forced to cook alone without guidance from their mentors—a high-stakes test that promises nail-biting drama.

But even amid the competitive fire, camaraderie blossomed. Natalie spoke fondly of fellow contestants Jack Osbourne, Kelly Hoppen, Jessica Wright, and the rest of the cast. “Everyone was fantastic. It was just such a lovely time,” she shared on ITV’s Lorraine.

The actress, who recently celebrated 30 years on EastEnders, shows no signs of slowing down. Whether facing fiery arguments on Albert Square or fiery spices in the Cooking with the Stars kitchen, Natalie’s warmth, honesty, and enthusiasm shine through. For her, this show isn’t just about competition—it’s about growth, joy, and sharing unforgettable moments with people who love food as deeply as she does.