BBC EastEnders' Natalie Cassidy opens up about 'grief' in heartbreaking tribute to dad

EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy has opened up about her grief in a candid message three years after her father died. Natalie, who plays Sonia Fowler in the BBC soap, lost her dad Charles in 2021, aged 84.

Natalie, 40, wrote on social media: "I lost my daddy 3 years ago today. It’s just another day but everything seems heightened somehow.

"I’m feeling very proud of myself and very happy and cry tears because I miss him so much not because I’m sad. And grief doesn’t start and stop on tap.

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"It’s always with you but you learn to smile through it, even laugh and move on with your life. You’d be proud dad."

Her famous friends and fans were quick to send their Natalie their support. EastEnders co-star Emma Barton, who plays Honey on the BBC soap, replied with a simple red love heart.

Others shared their own experiences with grief. One fan wrote: "I hear this loud and clear. Just over a year since losing my Mum & still trying to work it all out. Sending love x"

A second commented: "He is immensely proud of you hun. Have no doubt." And a third shared: "Sending hugs to you Natalie. I lost my wonderful Daddy on exactly the same day 3 years ago and miss him so much too. He’s a huge miss but you’re so right you do learn to smile through it and remember the wonderful times you spent together."

Natalie announced her dad had passed away in 2021, paying tribute on social media. She wrote: "I’ve been very quiet the last few weeks. I lost my precious daddy three weeks ago today. I wasn’t really going to do this post, but I felt I can’t come on here and be a k*** without letting everyone know that my life has changed.

"He was my whole world and I’m not sure what I’m going to do without him. All I know is my family, friends and work will make it easier. I cannot believe how lucky I am to have such wonderful people in my life. It really is at these times you realise how important relationships are and company and friendship and love is so important.

"Losing anyone is hard. The NEVER seeing someone again is cruel. But it’s part of life. And we go on and have our memories. Charles William Cassidy 1937-2021. The best dad and granddad in the world. We miss you so much but we have each other because of you."

In 2020 Natalie told fans that her dad had been suffering from ill health, saying in October: ‘Last few days have been a bit of a challenge. Daddy hasn’t been very well, nothing major, but it makes you realise they aren’t going to be around forever. Losing mum young means we are so close, In my head I feel he is always going to be this age, living with me and being a bit grumpy at times. But we know that’s not true. He’s as strong as an Ox, so I’m hoping he will be around for a lot longer. Losing people is such a hard part of our lives, no matter what age they are or how they pass.’

Natalie’s mother Evelyn died when the actress was just 19 years old, dying from bowel cancer in 2002 at the age of 63.