EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy reveals how Barbara Windsor inspired her on set
EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy has revealed how the late Barbara Windsor inspired her on the set of the soap.
The actress, who plays Sonia Fowler, paid tribute to the Peggy Mitchell actor whilst appearing on Lorraine, recalling how Windsor would motivate her during filming.
“Growing up, I say it all the time, I feel so privileged to have been at EastEnders at a time when there was Barbara and Wendy [Richard],” she said. “[They were] real formidable, professional, fantastic actresses who taught me and showed me the ropes.
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“I am always on time, I know my lines, I say hello to everyone and I know everyone's name, and that is from Barbara really,” she added.
Windsor played Peggy for 24 years, becoming a mainstay in the soap before the character was killed off in 2016. Cassidy debuted as Sonia in 1993, appearing on the show for 14 years before returning in a full-time capacity in 2014.
Speaking to Digital Spy and other media last December, Cassidy revealed that the character would experience some happier times after a lower period.
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“It's so clever what the writers and [executive producer] Chris Clenshaw have done, because Sonia's been a bit miserable,” she said. “She has not only been miserable, but she hasn't got anyone.
“You have to remember that she's a nurse, she works really hard, and she's got Dotty on her case all the time. Dot's not been around – now she's saying goodbye to Dot and being very upset. But then having this shining beacon of light coming in, I feel like it's going to be a really exciting time,” she added.
EastEnders airs on Mondays - Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer.
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