Natalie Cassidy Opens Up About Long-Term Health Issue ‘Triggered by EastEnders Career’

EastEnders actress Natalie Cassidy says her memory has been “shot to pieces” due to being an actress for so many years. On her podcast Life With Nat this week, the 41-year-old, alongside her brother Tony, discussed various topics, including some of their childhood memories that she didn’t recall.

During the episode, Natalie read out messages from a fan named Hayley who said: “I love how family-oriented you are and how he tells you snippets of your childhood that you don’t know.”

In response, Natalie discussed how she believes learning lines for EastEnders may have affected her recollection abilities. She shared: “Well, that’s because I don’t remember much, I don’t know if that’s good or not Hayley, to be honest.

“My memory has shot to pieces and that’s because when I learn lines at EastEnders… I feel all my life, I learn something and I throw it away.” She speculated on the potential reasons behind this, adding: “I genuinely believe that there are different muscles in the brain, and I really believe I’ve been trained to do something to then just throw it away.”

Prince Louis ‘looks exactly like’ relative says fans as Royal Family release photo to mark his 5th birthday

EastEnders' Sonia Fowler star Natalie Cassidy

EastEnders’ Sonia Fowler star Natalie Cassidy left the soap after 32 years

Having recently departed from the soap after a remarkable 32 years, Natalie expressed hope that her memory skills might improve, adding: “Maybe that’ll change, I don’t retain much. But I love it when Tony or David [her other brother] or anyone really says, ‘Oh, do you remember when this happened?’.

“And I don’t remember so it’s like a new story, so, thank you for that.” Natalie, one of the soap’s longest-serving characters, announced that her 32-year stint was coming to an end back in January.

In a statement, the actress expressed her sadness at leaving, but also her excitement for new opportunities. “EastEnders is in my bones so I will never forget where I started my career and I will continue to love the show,” she added.

Meanwhile, Natalie recently opened up about potentially having dyspraxia, a condition that impacts coordination in daily activities, and often causes balancing difficulties. The actress says she has “no balance” which means she cannot ride a bike, roller skate or ice skate.

Natalie Cassidy

Natalie suspects she has dyspraxia, a condition that impacts coordination in daily activities and often causes balancing difficulties”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,” she shared on The Monday Mile podcast. “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.”According to the NHS, the condition can affect your co-ordination skills – such as tasks requiring balance, playing sports or learning to drive a car. Dyspraxia, believed to affect three to five per cent of adults in the UK, can also affect your fine motor skills, such as writing or using small objects.

The health website adds that there is currently no cure for dyspraxia, however there are different types of therapies that can help.

Related articles

Tragic Twist! Y&R Spoilers: Traci betrays Abbott – runs away with Martin to Paris for the sweet wedding trap

In a shocking twist on The Young and the Restless, Traci Abbott’s seemingly steady life takes a dangerous turn as she falls deeper into Martin’s seductive web of…

Virgin River Season 6 Ending Explained: Is [SPOILER] Really Dead?

Though much lighter in tone than season 5, more speed bumps appear as Mel (Alexandra Breckenridge) and Jack (Martin Henderson) prepare for their big day. There’s a…

EastEnders ‘confirms’ who exposes Harvey and Kathy – and it’s not Jean

Harvey Monroe’s (Ross Boatman) affair with Kathy Cotton (Gillian Taylforth) is a ticking time bomb – and it’s only a matter of time before one of the EastEnders finds out. As…

REAL STORY BEHIND IT !! Hope receives shocking news that will change her life The Bold and the Beautiful Spoilers

Hope Logan is facing a life-altering decision after being ousted from Forrester Creations. With her “Hope for the Future” line officially shut down by Steffy Forrester, Hope…

Tracy’s Safe… But Who’s NOT? Corrie Fans Spot Major Clue!

Next week on Coronation Street, Rob Donovan’s terrifying return reaches its climax as he holds Carla Connor and Tracy Macdonald hostage. With a gun in hand and…

Yellowstone: Spencer’s return home takes a deadly turn—can the Duttons survive the storm brewing around them?

The highly anticipated fifth episode of 1923 Season 2 promises to deliver intense drama and shocking twists. Since its premiere on February 23, 2025, on Paramount Plus, the Yellowstone…