EastEnders icon says writing tell-all book helped with grief of parents' death

Natalie Cassidy has revealed how writing her book helped deal with the grief of losing both parents.

The former EastEnders actress has been on our television screens for three decades but she's now opened up on her life beyond Albert Sqaure.

She has given fans an insight into the highs and lows of her career in a new tell-all book titled Happy Days where she opens up on everything from quitting her role as fan favourite Sonia Fowler to her struggles with body language.

• Martin Lewis' MSE issues warning to anyone with 1p or more on credit card
• 'I'm an American student in the UK and one thing here doesn't make sense'

Natalie appeared on Sunday Brunchon October 12 to promote her latest project and revealed that writing helped with the grief of the death of her mum and dad.

Natalie told hosts Tim Lovejoyand Simon Rimmer: "It was quite cathartic, it really was because you join the pieces.

"It's a bit like a puzzle I think and because I've been in this business for over 30 years, from such a young age at 10, just to piece it all together and write it down was very good, especially with the grief of my parents.

"I lost my mum at 19 and I didn't really deal with that grief and then I lost my beautiful dad four years ago but he lived with me and I cared for him and I took him out in the world and it was an amazing privilege but writing it all down, I was like 'oh my goodness', I didn't deal with my mum at all until that happened and it pieced it all together for me."

Natalie also revealed that the book is not only 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.

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 in February.

Natalie first joined EastEnders in 1993 when she was just 10 years old and remained with the show until 2007.

She returned for a year in 2010 until 20100 before leaving again and returning in 2014 until her exit earlier this year.

Sunday Brunch airs weekly on Channel 4 at 10am