EastEnders' Natalie Cassidy 'bricking it' as she admits weakness ahead of new TV show

Former EastEnders cast member Natalie Cassidy has been "bricking it" over her latest TV project, which is scheduled to launch later this weekend. The actor has teased that she pushed herself out of her comfort zone for the experience.

Natalie, 42, announced earlier that year that she would be leaving the BBC soap opera. Her character Sonia Fowler, who first appeared in 1993, then left Walford in scenes that aired back in April, with her seen embarking on a new life abroad with her two children and her sister Bianca Jackson.

Following her departure, it was revealed that Natalie will appear on the new series of ITV's Cooking with the Stars and she's spoken about feeling nervous ahead of the launch. It comes after Channel 4 breaks silence after Gogglebox couple suddenly dumped from show.

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Natalie, who has been mentored by professional chef Tony Singh for the show, said that she "loves" cooking at home. The actor however spoke to WhatToWatch recently about how the experience differed from that.

She recalled having used vegetable stock instead of vegetable oil while practising at home. Natalie continued by telling the outlet: "Usually I'm cooking with a glass of wine with the radio on, leisurely doing a bit of washing and talking to the kids, but this is a completely different ball game."

Natalie said: "You have a recipe and you don't have any time to think about it at all." Teasing over one of Sonia's job on EastEnders, she said: "This is not the cafe on Albert Square, I need to produce high-end grub and I'm bricking it!"

She also shared that she signed up for the show to expand her culinary abilities, revealing that her "staples" include roast dinners and spaghetti. Natalie said they are "good basics" but wanted to learn more about herbs, spices and different cultures through the competition show.

The former soap star said that she wanted to "impress" her two children in the kitchen. Natalie teased that she also hoped to learn where the chefs "go to eat," saying that she wants to get a list of restaurants and "hidden gems".

Whilst speaking to the outlet, Natalie revealed her strengths and weaknesses when it comes to the competition element of Cooking with the Stars. The show sees celebrities go head-to-head in the kitchen before being judged.

Natalie said that being "organised" is among her strengths. She shared her dislike for "lateness," adding that she's "very aware of time" which she hoped would prove beneficial on the show when it comes to timings over her cooking.

She then admitted that her weakness is "the chopping side of things". Natalie told the outlet that loved ones will often offer to take over chopping items if next to her in the kitchen because the actor is an "Awkward Annie".

Cooking with the Stars returns tomorrow night from 7pm on ITV, ITVX, STV and STVPlayer.

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