Natalie Cassidy Discusses School Bullying Experience
Natalie Cassidy has revisited her past experience of being bullied in school, several months after naming Paloma Faith as one of her bullies. The EastEnders actress, now 43, recalled the difficult school years during an appearance on Katherine Ryan’s What’s My Age Again podcast.
Bullying Linked to Early Success
Natalie suggested her early entry into acting, joining EastEnders at just 10 years old, may have triggered jealousy among her peers. She shared her preference for being on set rather than at school:
“There wasn’t anywhere else I wanted to be. Maybe because when I wasn’t there, school was difficult, people were jealous. You know, there was bullying that went on. So I always just wanted to be there because it was so fun and I was surrounded by nice people.”
Connection to Paloma Faith
Though she did not directly name Faith during this interview, Natalie had previously identified Paloma Faith, who is a year older, as one of her school bullies. Both attended the same secondary school in London—Islington Green School (now City of London Academy Islington).
“Paloma Faith, she bullied me at school.”
Background
- Natalie Cassidy grew up in Islington.
- Paloma Faith was raised in Stoke Newington.
- Both attended the same secondary school in London.
These revelations highlight the challenges Natalie faced during her youth despite early career success.
Author’s Summary
Natalie Cassidy reflects on the bullying she endured at school, linking it to jealousy over her early acting career and naming Paloma Faith as one of the perpetrators, underscoring the lasting impact of school bullying.