EASTENDERS legend Natalie Cassidy has landed a brand new BBC show following her soap exit – and it’s worlds away from Walford.
Natalie, 41, in poignant scenes aired earlier this month.
BBC Daytime have commissioned a new series – under the working title Learning to Care – for and iPlayer.
The actress will fulfil her longtime ambition of wanting to train as carer.
This means enrolling at one of the UK’s top Health & Social Care colleges – alongside the next generation of carers.
In recent years, Natalie has cared for family members and volunteered in local groups.
The show follows her journey across classroom to community care services – as she’s there for life’s toughest moments.
While to fully make things official, the actress will have to pass her final exam.
Natalie said: “I’m thrilled to be embarking on a new adventure with BBC Daytime.
“In a series exploring social care, I will be going back to college and learning for the first time since leaving school at 16.
“Caring has always been a huge part of my life, from watching my mum care for my nan, to being a mother to caring for my dad, this series is close to my heart and I can’t wait for you to see it.”;
Muslim Alim, Commissioning Editor for BBC Daytime commented: “We are thrilled to be working with Natalie Cassidy on this exciting new series.
“Audiences know and love Natalie for her humour, honesty and heart — and now they’ll see her in a whole new light as she throws herself into the world of care, not as a celebrity, but as a student carer learning from the ground up.
“Natalie’s personal experiences have given her a deep, authentic connection to care, and through her journey, we hope to celebrate the unsung individuals who dedicate their lives to helping others.”;
It is the star’s latest project away from playing Sonia Fowler in EastEnders.
She also fronts the consumer affairs show What’s the Big Deal?
Meanwhile, fans can hear Natalie on two podcasts – Off the Telly (alongside Joanna Page) as well as Life with Nat.
She also took part in earlier this year, in disguise as Bush.
Natalie being eliminated alongside singer Example as Bear.
