EastEnders' Natalie Cassidy shares heartbreaking real reason behind her Big Brother stint

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Natalie Cassidy, famously known for her role as Sonia Fowler in EastEnders, has opened up about her stint on Celebrity Big Brother back in 2012.The actress candidly shared on her Life With Nat podcast that money woes were the driving force behind her decision to enter the reality TV house: "I was in dire straits financially, having a really bad time, and I did Big Brother." The offer of a "life-changing amount" of cash was too good to pass up for Natalie, especially as she needed to provide for her nine-month-old daughter Eliza at the time: "I went in there, genuinely, for the money to get out again, quick as I can." Despite being evicted earlier than some housemates, Natalie felt relief at the prospect of returning to her daughter, yet she also reflected positively on her influence within the Big Brother house: "I went in there, and I just cooked, cleaned, did the tasks, had a bit of a laugh, came home." Her stay may have been brief, but Natalie believes she played a crucial role in maintaining harmony among the celebs: "I was in for about...

not long," she said, "It was brilliant. I got out early I think because I was a bit boring". Natalie considers herself the peacemaker of that season, suggesting that her departure led to an increase in tension among the remaining contestants: "I went in, came out again, I left, pandemonium started.

Nicola McLean and Denise Welch were at each other arguing. I was kind of the peacemaker.", reports the Mirror. While she's keeping the exact figure under wraps, Natalie admits the pay cheque from her 16-day stay was substantial enough to help her settle a hefty tax bill.