Yahoo News EastEnders fans warned they may be 'appalled' by Natalie Cassidy's role on BBC comedy 'Mandy'
Fans of stalwart EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy are in for a surprise when they see her in new comedy series Mandy, according to the show’s creator and star Diane Morgan.
Perhaps best known as Albert Square’s Sonia, a role she has held off and on since 1993, Morgan warns some fans of Cassidy’s work might be “appalled” by her latest role as a foul-mouthed gangster.
Cunk On Britain star Morgan thought Cassidy would be perfect for the role after the pair exchanged messages on social media.
Read more: After Life's Diane Morgan and Game of Thrones' David Bradley lead BBC's Mandy
Speaking to The Guardian, Morgan said:"(Natalie) messaged me on Twitter one day and we started chatting.
"Then I wrote this part and thought: 'Who can I get to play this cockney gangster lady? Aha, Cassidy!'
"Everyone knows her as softy Sonia with her trumpet. I thought I'd wrestle that trumpet off her and get her a bloody Oscar.
“I'm not sure how people will feel about her effing and jeffing. They'll either be appalled or think it's fantastic."
Morgan revealed her character Mandy is based on someone she knows.
The 44-year-old said: “She’s based on a real person. I can’t say who she is but I met her and thought, if I ever get the chance, I’d love to play you. I just started impersonating her around the house.”
Also appearing in the series are Maxine Peake, David Bradley and stand-up comedian Sean Lock.
I did this thing called Mandy. It starts tonight. It’s pretty weird but the eps are only 15 minutes so it’s very low commitment. 9:30pm @BBCTwo pic.twitter.com/jgfHmXcvFA
— Diane Morgan (@missdianemorgan) August 13, 2020
Happy Mondays singer Shaun Ryder will also make an appearance.
The series is based on a BBC short of the same name from last year. Each episode of the series last just 15 minutes.
Read more: EastEnders actress Natalie Cassidy shows off incredible three-stone weight loss
Tweeting about the comedy on Twitter, Morgan said: “I did this thing called Mandy. It starts tonight. It’s pretty weird but the eps are only 15 minutes so it’s very low commitment. 9:30pm’”
Mandy started on BBC Two earlier this month and continues on Thursday from 9.30pm.
The episode featuring Cassidy is available to view on the BBC iPlayer now.
