Natalie Cassidy Opens Up About Wedding Postponement and Financial Wisdom
Former EastEnders actress Natalie Cassidy has candidly revealed the heartfelt reason behind her decision not to marry fiancé Marc Humphreys, nearly ten years after their engagement. In an exclusive interview, the 42-year-old star, best known for playing Sonia Fowler, disclosed that financial anxieties are the primary factor delaying their nuptials, alongside reflections on career changes and family priorities.
Financial Fears Halt Wedding Plans
Natalie Cassidy admitted that the cost of a wedding is a significant barrier to tying the knot with cameraman Marc Humphreys, who proposed in October 2015. "It's about money actually," she confessed. "Getting married is very expensive and we're very happy. I know it doesn't have to be expensive, but I know that I'll want lovely flowers and a nice dress and all of those things." Despite their long-term commitment, the couple has opted to prioritise financial stability over a lavish ceremony, highlighting the pressures many face in balancing personal milestones with economic realities.
Wendy Richard's Lifelong Pension Advice
Cassidy credits late EastEnders icon Wendy Richard with providing crucial financial guidance that shaped her future. At age 16, Richard urged her to start a pension, a move Natalie now describes as transformative. "I think the best financial advice ever was from Wendy Richard, the late great Pauline Fowler," she shared. "She helped me with it and I started it as soon as I could and I carried that on. If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't have a healthy pension. I'm still very thankful for that." This advice has allowed Natalie to navigate career shifts, including leaving her high-paying role on EastEnders to pursue new challenges and spend more time with her daughters, Eliza, 15, and Joanie, nine.
Overcoming Financial Hurdles and Tax Bills
Natalie's journey hasn't been without financial struggles. In 2012, she faced a substantial tax bill, which she addressed by appearing on Celebrity Big Brother. "You get paid a lot of money for something like Celebrity Big Brother," she explained. "It paid a large tax bill and I put some of it into a deposit for a house." These experiences have made her vigilant about money management, though she admits to occasional panics during periods without work. "There can be a couple of months where I think, 'Oh everything's over, we've got to sell the house.'" To help others, she has partnered with Skipton Building Society to promote open conversations about finances, emphasising the importance of seeking advice and learning from mistakes.
Career Evolution and Passion Projects
Since departing EastEnders, Natalie has focused on projects aligned with her passions, including an upcoming BBC documentary on the care industry. She studied for a Level 3 NVQ in health and social care, inspired by caring for her father Charles until his death in 2021. "It's my biggest passion project," she said. "Since EastEnders it's my proudest achievement." Additionally, she has ventured into lighter roles, such as voicing a character in Ricky Gervais's Netflix cartoon Alley Cats, and hosts the family-involved podcast Life With Nat, which features her partner Marc, brother Tony, and nieces.
Views on University Education for Her Daughters
Natalie Cassidy has expressed reservations about her daughters attending university, citing concerns over student debt and alternative pathways. "I don't want them to go to uni," she stated, though she acknowledges it will be their choice. "My opinion is get into something you really enjoy and get into a workspace and work your way up. Be within the work and start earning money." She believes that for many, hands-on experience and early entry into the workforce can be more beneficial than accruing significant loans, unless pursuing specialised fields like science.
Legacy of Mentorship and Future Endeavours
Reflecting on her early years on EastEnders, where she started at age 10, Natalie highlighted the mentorship from veterans like June Brown and Dame Barbara Windsor. Now, she passes on financial wisdom to younger actors, advising them to start pensions and manage taxes proactively. "I've tried to impart that advice and say to them it's really hard being a freelance person where you have to keep your VAT, you have to keep your tax. I've made that mistake in the past." As she continues to advocate for financial literacy through her role with Skipton Building Society, Natalie remains focused on family, career growth, and overcoming the economic challenges that have shaped her personal and professional life.
