Beloved EastEnders actress Natalie Cassidy is turning the page on a new chapter of her life, embarking on a deeply personal and inspiring career shift that pays tribute to one of the most important people in her life—her late father, Charles.

Best known to millions as Sonia Jackson, Natalie has been a familiar face on our screens for over three decades. But now, after officially stepping away from EastEnders earlier this year, she’s stepping into a new and heartfelt role—one rooted not in fiction, but in real-life experience, compassion, and care.

Natalie recently revealed on her Off The Telly podcast that she’s preparing for an ambitious new project with the BBC that takes her back to the classroom and beyond. The upcoming series will follow her as she studies social care, covering the full spectrum from early years development to end-of-life palliative support. But this is no ordinary documentary—Natalie won’t just be reporting from the sidelines; she’ll be fully immersed, attending college, sitting exams, and even going on placements in the field.

“It’s a very loose idea at the moment but it is definitely happening,” she shared with excitement. “I’m really excited about it. It’s a passion project because I cared for my dad, right up until the end of his life.”

That passion stems from a deeply emotional journey. In 2021, Natalie lost her father Charles, a figure who played a huge role in her life—especially in his final years. When his health began to fail, Natalie made the decision to move him into her family home, creating a space where he could be both independent and supported. She found a house with an annexe, allowing him to have his own space while still being close to his daughter, her partner Marc Humphreys, and their two children.

The experience of caring for her father left a profound mark on Natalie. She spoke candidly about the emotional toll and the incredible insight it gave her into the world of social care—especially elderly care, which is an area she wants to shine a light on in her new BBC series.

“I’ve always wanted to do more about elderly care,” she said. “This course incorporates a lot of elderly care, but also other care as well throughout life.”

Natalie’s connection to her father continues even after his passing. She keeps his ashes on her windowsill, and says she talks to him every day. The room he once lived in has now been transformed into a games room for the children, but it remains affectionately known as “Grandad’s room,” providing comfort and a constant reminder of his presence.

Beyond this new project, Natalie’s post-EastEnders life is anything but quiet. She’s juggling several exciting new ventures, including her upcoming book Happy Days, which will explore her experiences as a mother balancing life, work, and the emotional legacy of grief. It’s clear that Natalie is embracing this new era with open arms, full of optimism and grounded in authenticity.

She’s also setting her sights on expanding her presenting career. Speaking to Olympian Aimee Fuller on the Monday Mile podcast, Natalie expressed a genuine passion for presenting, sharing that she loves “just being herself” on screen—perhaps even more than acting.

“I love acting but I do really like just being myself, I think possibly more so than the acting,” she admitted. “I did Motherland a little while ago, which was fantastic, and I do love comedy, so I would like to do more comedy at some point.”

From appearances on panel shows like Would I Lie to You? to her heartfelt stories shared on social media, Natalie’s blend of humour, honesty, and warmth continues to resonate with audiences. But it’s this latest move—delving into the care sector—that feels like her most meaningful role yet.

By retraining in social care and sharing her journey publicly, Natalie hopes not just to learn, but to shed light on the often overlooked challenges and heroes of the care world. She’s aiming to explore what motivates people to enter the field, how care facilities operate, and what can be improved in a system that so many depend on.

With filming yet to begin and the project still in development, viewers will have to wait until next year to see the results. But even in its early stages, this initiative stands as a testament to Natalie’s drive to turn grief into growth, and to make a difference in the lives of others.

As fans look forward to seeing this new side of Natalie, one thing is clear: whether on Albert Square or in a care home, she’s committed to telling real, human stories—and doing it with heart.