NATALIE Cassidy has revealed her beloved dad Charles has died at the age of 84.
The EastEnders star told fans her father was her “whole world” as she shared her heartbreak.
“I’ve been very quiet the last few weeks. I lost my precious daddy three weeks ago today,” she posted.
“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.
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“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 EastEnders co-star Jacqueline Jossa commented: “Sorry to hear that beautiful girl, love to you and your family. Lots of love.”
Charles had been living in with Natalie, her boyfriend Marc Humphreys and their two children, Eliza, 10, and Joanie, four, before he died.
Last year, she told fans that her dad was suffering from ill health.
“Last few days have been a bit of a challenge,” she told fans.
“Daddy hasn’t been very well, nothing major, but it makes you realise they aren’t going to be around forever.
“Losing mum young means we are so close, In my head I feel he is always going to be this age, living with me and being a bit grumpy at times.
“But we know that’s not true. He’s as strong as an Ox, so I’m hoping he will be around for a lot longer. Losing people is such a hard part of our lives, no matter what age they are or how they pass.”
Natalie’s mum Evelyn died when the actress was just 19 years old.
She had bowel cancer and died in 2002 at the age of 63.
Natalie returned to EastEnders as Sonia Fowler in April this year after writers decided to give her character a break.
Sonia first appeared on Albert Square in 1993 and has been a part of the show ever since.
