Natalie Cassidy opened up about her health worries, as she prepares to leave EastEnders after 32 years of playing her iconic character Sonia Fowler
EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy has revealed she believes she may have dyspraxia, a condition that affects coordination and balance.
The actress, who is best known for her role as Sonia Fowler in the popular BBC soap, admits to having “no balance”, which prevents her from activities such as riding a bike, roller skating or ice skating.
Furthermore, the 41-year-old admits even struggling with walking down stairs.
She said: “In 2025 I think you’d call me dyspraxic. I think if I went and sorted it all out, I think I’ve got a bit of dyspraxia.
“If I go down the stairs, I have to prise myself at the top before I go. It’s a balance issue. I am a wobbler.”
Dyspraxia is thought to affect between three and five per cent of adults in the UK.
According to the NHS, it can impact coordination skills, including tasks requiring balance, playing sports or learning to drive.
It can also affect fine motor skills, such as writing or using small objects.
There is currently no cure, but various therapies can help manage the condition.
The actress has also recently opened up about her decision to leave EastEnders after 32 years of playing Sonia Fowler.
Natalie admits the main reason for her decision is due to wanting to spend more quality time with her two daughters; Eliza, from a previous relationship, and Joanie with her fiancé Marc Humphries.
Speaking about her home life, she said: “I love being at home and just pottering,” reports The Mirror.
“I have got an eight-year-old and a 14-year-old and the time goes so quickly. I want to pick the kids up from school. I want to be able to go to the school sports day.”
She also expressed her desire to increase her exercise routine when she has more free time, adding: “Wellness is very important to me, getting out more in the open air, I want to do more because I enjoy it.
“It is good to get out and get moving but there are still people who don’t do that. There’s a lot of sedentary people. I feel energised and I’d love to start running again but no marathons this year,” she added on The Monday Mile, which is out tomorrow.
In soap land, Natalie took on the challenge of giving birth live on air this week, as part of the soap’s 40th anniversary. Fans were also left tearful, following the loss of one of the soap’s longest-standing characters Martin Fowler, played by James Bye.
Natalie is soon to join James with leaving the soap following her announcement last month. She said in a statement: “EastEnders is in my bones so I will never forget where I started my career and I will continue to love the show.
“Thank you to [executive producer] Chris Clenshaw for the opportunity to be such a big part of the 40th anniversary – it’s an honour. See you, Sonia, going but never forgotten.”
