Natalie Cassidy, the beloved star of EastEnders, has revisited a painful chapter from her past, speaking candidly about the bullying she endured during her school years. The actress, now 43, first publicly addressed the issue months ago, naming fellow performer Paloma Faith as one of her tormentors.
Cassidy’s early success brought her into the spotlight at a remarkably young age – she joined the cast of EastEnders at just ten years old. This sudden fame, she suggests, may have fueled the jealousy of her peers, creating a difficult and isolating school experience.
Appearing on Katherine Ryan’s podcast, Cassidy revealed a striking contrast between her life on set and her time in the classroom. The EastEnders set was a sanctuary, a “happy place” filled with supportive people, while school presented a starkly different reality.
“There wasn’t anywhere else I wanted to be,” she explained, emphasizing the comfort she found in her work. “Maybe because when I wasn’t there, school was difficult, people were jealous.” The actress openly acknowledged the bullying she faced, hinting at a connection between her rising profile and the negative treatment she received.
While she didn’t directly name Paloma Faith during this recent conversation, the previous accusation sparked considerable attention. Cassidy had previously revealed on her own podcast that Faith, a year above her at Islington Green School, was among those who bullied her.
Remarkably, the two performers have since spoken about the past. Cassidy shared that Faith had offered an apology, suggesting a degree of reconciliation between them. Despite this, the memory of those difficult school years clearly remains.
Faith herself has alluded to challenging experiences during her school days. An old tweet resurfaced, revealing she too was a target of bullying, citing braces and “wonky teeth” as contributing factors. She has also described her secondary school as “very rough,” despite acknowledging the dedication of its teachers.
The story highlights the lasting impact of childhood experiences and the complex dynamics of school life, even for those who achieve early success. It’s a reminder that fame and fortune don’t shield individuals from the pain of bullying and the search for acceptance.
