After her emotional exit from EastEnders earlier this year, where she bid farewell to her iconic role as Sonia Fowler, Natalie Cassidy is stepping into a new world—one filled with heat, pressure, and high stakes: Cooking with the Stars.

The 42-year-old actress, who spent decades portraying the beloved Sonia, shared her excitement and nerves about competing in the ITV cooking competition, revealing how vastly different the experience has been compared to her usual kitchen routine.

The Nervous Chef: From Soap Star to Amateur Cook

Natalie’s kitchen adventures in her own home are usually laid-back, with a glass of wine in hand, some background music, and her children around. But on Cooking with the Stars, it’s a different ballgame. “You have a recipe and you don’t have any time to think about it at all,” she admitted. While cooking at home, it’s all about comfort and family, but in this new competition, time is of the essence, and the pressure is on.

Even though Natalie is no stranger to being on screen, the fast-paced nature of cooking under the watchful eyes of professionals and judges has her feeling the nerves. “This is not the cafe on Albert Square, I need to produce high-end grub and I’m bricking it!” she confessed, humorously referring to her EastEnders past.

A Journey to Improve: Beyond Roast Dinners and Spaghetti

Despite her self-admitted anxiety, Natalie is using this opportunity to push herself beyond her usual culinary comfort zone. “I wanted to learn more about herbs, spices, and different cultures,” she revealed. Her go-to dishes, like roast dinners and spaghetti, may be staples in her household, but now, she wants to broaden her skills and impress the Cooking with the Stars judges with something more daring.

Her primary motivation, however, isn’t just about winning the competition—it’s about impressing her children. As a mother, Natalie is keen to show them that she can do more than just make basic meals. “I want to impress my two children in the kitchen,” she shared, showcasing her desire to elevate her culinary repertoire for her family.

Strengths and Weaknesses: The Battle with Timing and Chopping

While Natalie has a few weaknesses in the kitchen—specifically, her “awkwardness” with chopping—she also knows where her strengths lie. “Being organised” is something she prides herself on, and she feels that her ability to manage time efficiently will be crucial in a competition where every second counts. “I’m very aware of time,” she explained, emphasizing how her punctuality will play in her favor during the cooking challenges.

But it’s the chopping that continues to trip her up. “My loved ones often offer to take over chopping if they’re in the kitchen with me,” she confessed. Despite this challenge, she’s determined to push through and learn from her more experienced mentors.

A New Beginning for Natalie: Moving Beyond Sonia

For Natalie, Cooking with the Stars represents a new chapter after her exit from EastEnders. The soap icon, who became a household name for her portrayal of Sonia Fowler, is excited to explore new roles and push herself outside of her comfort zone. In a heartfelt message to her fans, she expressed how grateful she was for their support, adding that this show will allow her to showcase a different side of herself.

As a fan favorite for years, her departure from the show in April marked the end of an era, but it also signaled the beginning of something fresh and exciting. She’s taking this leap with the same determination and passion that made Sonia such a beloved character, and her journey on Cooking with the Stars will undoubtedly inspire viewers.

What’s Next for Natalie?

While Natalie has expressed her nervousness about the competition, there’s no doubt that her fans are excited to see her take on a new challenge. As she continues to push her culinary boundaries, it will be interesting to see how she fares in the kitchen and how her newfound skills translate to the rest of her career. Will she manage to conquer her chopping fears and emerge as a serious contender, or will the pressure prove too much?

Fans can’t wait to watch the journey unfold as Natalie steps into a new role—one that’s both humbling and inspiring. She’s already proven that she can handle the drama on EastEnders, and now, it’s time to see if she can handle the heat in the kitchen. Whatever happens, we know it’s going to be an unforgettable ride.

So, will Natalie Cassidy manage to impress her children, the judges, and herself? The world will be watching, eager to see how this new chapter unfolds for the talented actress. Stay tuned as she brings her unique flair to Cooking with the Stars—you won’t want to miss it!