Natalie Cassidy rejected from major Gavin and Stacey role after James Corden call
Natalie Cassidy rejected from major Gavin and Stacey role after James Corden call
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EastEnders legend Natalie Cassidy revealed she was rejected from a huge role in Gavin and Stacey. The actress, who is known for her role as Sonia Fowler in the soap since joining in 1993, auditioned for a huge role in the beloved TV series. She hoped to secure the role of Smithy's laid-back sister Ruth 'Rudi' Smith. However, it was eventually bagged by Sheridan Smith of The Royal Family fame.
Sheridan didn't appear in the Christmas Special in 2019, yet was "over the moon" to reprise the character for the last ever episode after 14 years. Natalie revealed the role was almost hers as she confessed: "James Corden phoned me up and said 'we've got this idea...' You just have to give it your best shot.".
The actress continued to TV Times: "Sometimes you get stuff and sometimes you don't." Natalie revealed her connection to the BBC sitcom as she spoke to Gavin and Stacey star Joanna Page. She said on the Off The Telly podcast: "Can I tell you a secret? Not about me, but I've got one tiny link to Gavin and Stacey. I auditioned for the part of Smithy's sister.
"I told you [Joanna} but I've not said it out loud. I went up Oxford Street into Baby Cow. Did all my read with James and didn't go to plan, unfortunately." Gavin and Stacey fans were stunned by Sheridan's appearance in the 2024 Christmas Special after show bosses managed to keep it under wraps.
She starred alongside Pam Ferris, who played Cath Smith, as they returned to watch Smithy walk down the aisle on his wedding day - with many feeling the cameos stole the show. One fan wrote on X: "They even got Sheridan Smith back, this is perfect, I’m so happy #GavinAndStacey.".
