Natalie Cassidy Could Be A Shoe-In For I’m A Celebrity

Natalie Cassidy's departure from EastEnders after 32 years is one that surprised many fans of the BBC soap, especially after a particularly dramatic year for her character Sonia Fowler.

But it’s sure to not be long before UK TV viewers see her back on the box, as the actress continues to rise in popularity, and was even unveiled as Bush on The Masked Singer earlier this month.

And speaking on behalf of Spin Genie, PR expert and Head of Talent at Press Box PR Lynn Carratt says Natalie could be jetting off to the Australian jungle later this year, as she believes a spot as an I’m A Celeb campmate would be ‘an excellent career move’.

Lynn believes the star is likely to continue to position herself as a TV presenter and podcast host ‘rather than pursuing acting’, and reckons her keen interest in gardening could ‘lead to opportunities similar to Charlie Dimmock’ - perhaps even hosting a new revamped series of Ground Force.

Finally, the PR expert says Natalie is likely to return to EastEnders for ‘guest appearances’, just like her on-screen sister Biance Jackson (Patsy Palmer), and it’s surely not the last fans will see of her in Albert Square.

Speaking on behalf of Spin Genie, Lynn Carratt says:

I’m A Celebrity would be ‘an excellent career move’ for Natalie

Producers likely saw Natalie as a long-term asset and it was reported they wanted to make her the new Dot Cotton or Pauline Fowler, so it was a blow to them when Natalie decided she wanted to leave and it felt that the 40th anniversary was the best way to go to give her a strong exit storyline.

During her breaks from EastEnders, Natalie never rested; she continued to work hard, making a BBC Three documentary, a fitness video, and toured the country in a variety of theatre shows. Her popularity with fans and strong association with Sonia might make it challenging to take on other acting roles, as she has become typecast in that role.

However, since her early 90s fame, she's diversified with appearances on Strictly Come Dancing, Celebrity Big Brother, and The Masked Singer, and there are rumors about her appearing on I'm a Celebrity this year, which I believe would be an excellent career move for her, it's a change for her to showcase who the real Natalie Cassidy is.

Her keen interest in gardening could ‘lead to opportunities similar to Charlie Dimmock’

While the BBC provides good pay and regular work, not found often in the entertainment industry, leaving will allow her more freedom to explore other career avenues, and she could easily triple her reported £150,000 EastEnders salary.

Natalie can start building-up social media brand deals worth at least £5,000 as she has over her half-million followers on her social media platforms. She already has two hit podcasts: ‘Life with Nat’ with fiance Marc and ‘Off The Telly’ with Gavin and Stacey actress Joanna Page.

Elsewhere, her gardening interest could lead to opportunities similar to Charlie Dimmock's and we could see her hosting a new revamped series of Ground Force.

It seems she's positioning herself as a TV presenter and podcast host rather than pursuing acting. She will likely return to EastEnders for guest appearances, like her on-screen sister Bianca (Patsy Palmer). At 42, Natalie has said she wants to try new things and it's likely she'll want to have more freedom in her life.