EASTENDERS star Natalie Cassidy was left in tears as she shared a touching tribute to her late father.
Natalie, 40, who plays Sonia Fowler in the BBC soap, announced his passing three years ago in a heartbreaking message to fans.
And now, on the anniversary of his death, she’s paid tribute to her beloved Charles with a sweet childhood snap on Instagram.
In her caption, Natalie wrote, “I lost my daddy 3 years ago today. It’s just another day but everything seems heightened somehow.
“I’m feeling very proud of myself and very happy and cry tears because I miss him so much not because I’m sad. And grief doesn’t start and stop on tap.
“It’s always with you but you learn to smile through it, even laugh and move on with your life. You’d be proud dad.”
Charles had been living with Natalie and her fiancé Marc Humphreys, as well as their two children, Eliza, 13, and Joanie, seven, before his death.
In May 2021, she announced his passing in a heartbreaking message to fans.
Natalie wrote: “I’ve been very quiet the last few weeks. I lost my precious daddy three weeks ago today.
“I wasn’t really going to do this post, but I felt I can’t come on here and be a knob without letting everyone know that my life has changed.
“He was my whole world and I’m not sure what I’m going to do without him. All I know is my family, friends and work will make it easier. I cannot believe how lucky I am to have such wonderful people in my life.
“It really is at these times you realise how important relationships are and company and friendship and love is so important. Losing anyone is hard. The NEVER seeing someone again is cruel. But it’s part of life. And we go on and have our memories.
“Charles William Cassidy 1937-2021. The best dad and grandad in the world. We miss you so much but we have each other because of you.”
Natalie’s mum Evelyn died when the actress was just 19 years old.
She had bowel cancer and passed away in 2002 at the age of 63.
Sonia first appeared on Albert Square in 1993 and has been a part of the show ever since.
