BBC EastEnders' Natalie Cassidy opens up on 'difficult time' after death of co-star

Soap stars are some of the highest paid names on television with famous characters from EastEnders, Coronation Street and Emmerdale raking in millions. While having a job on the telly may seem like more than enough, some actors bring in even more cash thanks to sponsorship deals on social media and side hustles selling video messages to their biggest fans.

Clair Norris, who plays Bernadette Taylor on EastEnders, has taken a huge milestone step with her boyfriend Lewis Wood and has been flooded with congratulations.The soap star, 26, who has been in Albert Square since 2017, took to Instagram to share the exciting news that they had purchased their first home together.The couple have been together for five years and on Saturday, 3 March shared snaps as they held their keys and customised keyrings in front of their new pad.They added the caption: "And we’re in!!! Time to make this house a home." A second photo saw a basket filled with new home goodies for the couple, along with a balloon and cards of congratulations.They were flooded with comments on their milestone moment including from James Bye, who plays Martin Fowler in EastEnders, as he said: "Congratulations." Co-star Lorraine Stanley also wrote: "Congratulations that’s amazing!!! I’m so happy for you both, can’t wait to come over for a cuppa." While EastEnders star Barbara Smith penned: "Omg!!!!!!!! I remember you talking about this ages ago so happy u made ur dream a reality." Fans were also quick to share their support as one wrote: "Very happy congratulations!", and a second said: "Congratulations to you both!!! Enjoy your new home." A third gushed: "Best of luck to you both x enjoy your new home xx." Clair and her boyfriend can often be spotted on romantic getaways together having visited Prague, Croatia and Spain. Celebrating their five-year anniversary in July last year, Clair shared a sweet video as they took in the sunset view while in Croatia and lovingly wrote the caption: "5 Years Of Us.

After EastEnders’ dramatic Christmas Day episode which saw ‘The Six’ forced to keep a secret about the reasons behind Keanu Taylor's disappearance, those at the centre of the drama are dealing with the effects of keeping hush. With most of Albert Square unaware of what exactly happened to Keanu, Jack Branning’s suspicions grow when Denise Fox refuses to speak to him but allows Stacey Slater to visit her. Played by actor Scott Maslen, Jack first appeared on EastEnders back in 2007 before departing in 2013.The iconic soap star later joined the BBC One show in 2015, where he has remained a staple character at the centre of the action ever since.

Gavin and Stacey star Ruth Jones had viewers agreeing "it's lush" over her fashionable look during an appearance on the BBC's Saturday Kitchen. Ruth was among the guests on the Saturday morning cookery show this weekend.

Sharon Osbourne has, as expected, set the cat amongst the pigeons during her big TV return on Celebrity Big Brother UK on ITV.The star - who stunned fans with her dramatic weight loss on-screen - has been showing off her deft interviewing style with other CBB cast-mates in the house, alongside an equally mischievous Louis Walsh. She has also served up plenty of controversy, including opening up on a ‘feud’ with former Late Late Show host, James Corden, angering Gary Goldsmith’s friends by nominating him (he claimed she was “against him”) and seemingly ‘mocking’ British superstar Adele.

EastEnders has been criticised for its depiction of Milton Keynes.The soap aired two special episodes focusing on Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty) ahead of her exit from EastEnders. Whitney headed to Milton Keynes to visit her step-mum Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer) alongside boyfriend Zack Hudson (James Farrar). It wasn't long until Whitney and Zack ran into trouble with Bianca's neighbours and the children on the estate.

Former EastEnders star Laurie Brett, known for her iconic role as Jane Beale on the BBC soap, has revealed she underwent surgery in an emotional hospital post shared with fans. The 54-year-old actress, who graced the screens of EastEnders for 13 years before departing in 2017, took to social media to update her followers on her health journey. In the heartfelt snapshot shared on X - formerly known as Twitter - Laurie was pictured in a hospital gown, clutching a cuddly rabbit toy to her shoulder.

After nearly five years away from Albert Square, soap legend Patsy Palmer is set to reprise her role on EastEnders on Monday, 4 March . Having first appeared on the popular BBC One show back in 1993 when she was just 21 years old, Patsy, now 51, is known for playing Bianca Jackson, who is the daughter of Carol Jackson. Throughout her time on EastEnders , Patsy’s character has experienced everything from rocky romances to remarriages and most recently appeared in Walford in September 2019 where she briefly reunited with her daughter Tiffany Butcher, who was played by Strictly Come Dancing star Maisie Smith.

EastEnders star Mo George is swapping Albert Square for the glamour of Hollywood as he has bagged a role in a new movie with Tom Hanks, 16 years after he left the soap. Mo is famed for playing Gus Smith on EastEnders from 2002 to 2008, and now he's going to be in the new release, which is called 'Here'. On Thursday, Mo, who is 41, shared his happy news online.

Liam Payne jumpstarted a new era in his career and then jetted straight to Paris, France with girlfriend Kate Cassidy.

EastEnders legend‌ Mo Harris, played by Laila Morse, 78, is making a return to the BBC soap this spring to reprise her iconic role. ‌Fans will know Mo well as she first landed on our screens in 2000 as the no-nonsense matriarch of the Slater family. Due to her infamous one liners and dodgy dealings, she quickly became a fan favourite and viewers can’t wait to have her back.

EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy has opened up on the tragic loss of her longtime co-star and friend, June Brown, who passed away in April 2022, aged 95. June was famous for playing Dot Cotton on the soap for over 30 years, while Natalie, 40, still plays Dot's beloved step-granddaughter, Sonia Fowler - the role which she's had for almost three decades.

EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy has spoken about the "difficult time" she faced following the death of soap legend June Brown. The iconic actress died in April 2022 at the age of 95.

A new behind-the-scenes snap of EastEnders favourites Perry Fenwick and Tony Clay has really got soap fans talking. Photos of the pair reading scripts on the EastEnders set were shared to the BBC soap's Instagram account.Tony, 32, portrays Callum Highway in the soap, while Perry, 61, plays Billy Mitchell.The duo looked to be in good spirits as they studied new scripts together on the Walford market. "We wonder what scene they're reading...

Patsy Palmer is best known for her portrayal of Bianca Jackson in EastEnders, which she's set to return to, but she's since swapped Albert Square for sunny California.The actress relocated in 2014 with her family, following her exit from EastEnders. Patsy, 51, moved to Malibu 10 years ago with her husband Richard Merkell, 49, and their children; Fenton, 23, Emilia, 22, and Bertie, 13.The family have certainly thrown themselves into California life, having made pals with A-listers and carved out careers in showbiz. Patsy continues to dip in and out of acting - she's briefly reprised her role in EastEnders for some special episodes - and she's works as a DJ too.

Fans of EastEnders are getting nervous because they think they've figured out Johnny Carter's big secret. Viewers of the BBC soap believe he might have some "dark" plans for the people in Walford.

Pamela Salem, who starred in both EastEnders and James Bond, has passed away at the age of 80.The production company Big Finish Insider confirmed the heartbreaking news, saying: "We are utterly heartbroken to confirm the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Pamela Salem". Producer David Richardson added: "Pamela Salem was lovely, and we all loved her. Whenever there was a Big Finish recording for her, she'd fly in from Miami on her own steam, without fuss or fanfare.

EastEnders fans are convinced a 'dark storyline' is on it's way for Johnny Carter after Denise Fox screamed he's "working for the devil" whilst experiencing disturbing hallucinations in Thursday evening's episode. Viewers of the BBC soap are convinced Johnny is hiding a major secret and insisted they "don't trust him" as he has a tense conversation with his mum Linda as she panics at Denise's outburst.

Zack Sharf Digital News Director Natalie Portman is the latest actor to speak about the decline of the movie star. In an interview with Vanity Fair, the “Black Swan” Oscar winner noted that kids these days like her own have no idea who movie stars are but are widely familiar with popular YouTubers. “The striking thing has been the decline of film as a primary form of entertainment,” Portman said.

EastEnders fans are convinced they've figured out Lucas' sneaky plan for Denise Fox as Pastor Clayton's real identity was 'rumbled' by fans on social media. Viewers of the BBC soap are sure that Pastor Clayton and Lucas Johnson have a secret connection, and they're worried about what this could mean for struggling Denise. Fans also suspect that Lucas has a hidden agenda against Denise, and he might use her recent confession to his advantage to secure an early release from prison.The villain made a surprising return to EastEnders in Tuesday's episode (20 February) after Denise decided to visit her killer ex-boyfriend.