EastEnders’ Natalie Cassidy reveals regret at losing ‘four stone in three months’ for gruelling workout DVD – branding it ‘the worst decision she ever made
EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy has revealed her regret at losing ‘four stone in three months’ for her gruelling workout DVD released 18 years ago.
The actress, 42, took to the This Morning sofa to spill all about her new book, Happy Days, which follows the ‘highs and lows’ of her life on and off screen.
She revealed that the book not only details her life behind-the-scenes of the beloved BBC One soap, but it’s also packed with tips, lists and recipes from her life
It led Natalie to be quizzed by the ITV daytime show’s hosts Dermot O’Leary and Alison Hammond on her lifestyle tricks that viewers can expect.
Naturally, it prompted Natalie to talk about her workout DVDs, titled Then & Now Workout, which saw her lead viewers in a diet and exercise regime.
Natalie was quick to hit out against the videos, admitting that even though she shed ‘four stone in three months’, it damaged how she felt about her body.
EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy has revealed her regret at losing ‘four stone in three months’ for her gruelling workout DVD released almost two decades ago
Natalie was quick to hit out against the videos, admitting that even though she shed ‘four stone in three months’, it damaged how she felt about her body
She opened up to Alison, 50, and Dermot, 52: ‘I’ve sat here before and been very honest and said that I did do [the DVD] for money.
‘They said you can get fit and get a load of money, what a good idea, but actually it wasn’t – it was one of the worst decisions I made.
‘I lost four stone in three months, and the job ended, and I just ate and ate and ate and I put all the weight back on, and then that highlighted this yo-yo diet culture.
‘I fell into that world, and I’m not blaming anyone because that was my choice, but what I’ve done with it, I now have a very healthy relationship with food.’
Explaining how she’d made changes in her relationship with food, Natalie continued: ‘I have two daughters, and I think it’s really important to have food at the heart of the home and for it to be a great thing and not a bad thing.’
Earlier this year, Natalie revealed that she only did her weight loss DVDs for the cash as she got candid about her body image.
Natalie, who is best known for her role as the trumpet-playing Sonia Fowler in EastEnders, was paid £100,000 to lose the weight for the films.
Speaking to Radio Times, she said: ‘The DVD wasn’t a good move for me – I did it for the money. I’m now 42, and to be honest, I could be doing a bit more exercise at the moment, but I just can’t be bothered.
Natalie waved goodbye to her role as Sonia Fowler on the soap earlier this year
She opened up to Alison, 50, and Dermot, 52, about her thoughts on the workout video
‘I think, “If this is the size I’m meant to be, then I need to be happy with that”.’
Natalie added: ‘I don’t overeat. I enjoy my food. I like a glass of wine. I like a packet of crisps, but you can’t do it every day. If I go the other way and want to lose a lot of weight, my days aren’t as good.’
In January, it was confirmed that Natalie was due to say goodbye to EastEnders after nearly 32 years playing Sonia Fowler.
Her final scenes, which saw character Sonia leave for Bali, aired to coincide with the soap’s 40th anniversary week.
Natalie first joined EastEnders in 1993 when she was just 10 years old and remained with the show until 2007.
She returned as Sonia for a year in 2010 and then returned again last year.
The character is currently pregnant with killer Reiss Calwell’s baby, unaware that he murdered his ex-wife Debbie, a crime Sonia was charged with.
A jury found her not guilty after Reiss managed to produce a video of her sister, Bianca Butcher, falsely confessing to the killing.
Natalie reportedly told bosses she was planning on leaving EastEnders last summer.