EastEnders icon Wendy Richard, best known for playing Pauline Fowler for over two decades, reportedly had a touching final wish for her dear friend and co-star Natalie Cassidy.
Wendy, who sadly passed away from breast cancer in February 2009, had allegedly planned to leave her £2 million estate to Natalie—but only on the condition that her husband, John Burns, passed away within 28 days of her own death.
In real life, Wendy and Natalie shared a deep friendship, despite their characters’ tense relationship on EastEnders, where Pauline often disapproved of Sonia. Natalie has spoken openly about the impact Wendy’s death had on her, saying she hit “rock bottom” after losing someone she considered a “second mum.”
It’s well known that Wendy gave Natalie a lucky necklace before she died, which she still treasures. Speaking to Heat magazine, Natalie shared: “It’s supposed to bring you luck with your career, and ever since I’ve had it, I’ve had nothing but happiness, luck, jobs, and money coming in.” She added, “I swear to God she’s looking after me.”
She also shut down any speculation about her relationship with John Burns, explaining: “She was like family, and so is John. And it’s ridiculous to suggest there’s anything (romantic) going on there—I’m just round the corner from him so that he won’t be on his own.”
Wendy had made her final wishes clear in her will six months before she passed, and it’s believed she wanted her ashes to be mixed with those of her beloved pet dog.
Losing Wendy was an incredibly difficult time for Natalie, who admitted she struggled with her mental health and sought therapy after her passing. Speaking to The Sun, she revealed: “I wasn’t well. I wouldn’t call it a breakdown, but I was under so much pressure, I think I was on the brink of one. I did see a therapist for a little while, about lots of different things.”
Wendy’s death also made Natalie reflect on her own mother, who had passed away seven years earlier. She admitted she had made “some bad choices” and lost herself in the process, leading to tensions with some of her family and friends.
“I got myself back on track, though, and made up with my family. But that’s when it all suddenly hit me—I miss my mum more than ever. The day Wendy died, I hit rock bottom. Wendy was my second mum, and if I’m honest, that’s when it all affected me.”
She realised she needed help processing her grief and regrets, leading her to seek professional support. “I thought, ‘I need to see someone about my mum, mistakes I’ve made in my life, and regrets.’”
Wendy Richard’s legacy still lives on, both in the hearts of her fans and in the lasting impact she had on those closest to her—especially Natalie, who continues to treasure the memories of their friendship.
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