Wednesday, 4 March 2009

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Natalie Cassidy: Wendy Richard was like a mum to me

Actress got close to co-star after own mum's death

Natalie Cassidy played Sonia Fowler

Natalie Cassidy is heartbroken over the death of actress Wendy Richard.

She became close to the star when they worked on BBC show EastEnders.

‘I lost my mum to bowel cancer when I was only 19 and after that Wendy and I became so close,’ Natalie recalls.

‘She cared about me like a mum. I called Wendy my mummy - that’s how she would sign off her text messages to me.

'But she was also a best friend and someone I could talk to about anything.’

Natalie, 25, has now moved into Wendy's house to help her husband John Burns plan the funeral.

GOODBYE PAULINE - a photo tribute to EastEnders star Wendy Richard>>

SEE PICTURES Former EastEnders star Wendy Richard marries John Burns>>

SEE PICTURES Natalie Cassidy's amazing weight loss>>

^{Alison Adey}