Natalie Cassidy was inspired by Peggy Mitchell for her new comedy role.
The ‘EastEnders’ star – best known for playing Sonia Fowler in Albert Square – has opened up about her new part as foul-mouthed gangland boss Donna Ball in BBC Two series ‘Mandy’, and she was influenced by Dame Barbara Windsor’s iconic soap character.
She’s quoted by the Daily Star newspaper’s Hot TV column as saying: "My inspiration came from characters like Peggy Mitchell in ‘EastEnders’ and Polly Shelby in ‘Peaky Blinders’ – hard, strong women who mean business.
"Donna reminded me of the women who I used to see growing up in Islington, with all their jewellery on, done up to the nines."
Diane Morgan – who created the new comedy – admitted some fans might be shocked to see the 37-year-old actress "effing and jeffing" on the small screen.
She added: "I’m not sure how people will feel about her effing and jeffing. They’ll either be appalled or think it’s fantastic."
Natalie is excited about the change of pace, and she’s wanted to work with the ‘After Life’ star ever since seeing her outspoken character Liz in hit comedy ‘Motherland’.
She said: "I’m a comedy nut. I watched Diane in ‘Motherland’ and thought she was so fantastic, and I thought I’d love to work with her one day.
"Then I watched the first comedy short of ‘Mandy’ that she did a year or so ago and I tweeted her saying just that. It came true. Social media is very good sometimes."
Diane has written, directed and stars in the BBC show, which is based on a comedy short that originally aired last summer but has now been commissioned for a full season of 15-minute episodes.
The six-part series will see Diane’s alter ego Mandy try her hand at various jobs in a bid to realise her dream of breeding Doberman Pinschers, while also trying to get into shape and renting out her tiny back bedroom to bring in extra cash.
As well as Natalie, a number of guest stars have been lined up for the show, including ‘Game of Thrones’ actor David Bradley, ‘Black Mirror’ star Maxine Peake and comic Sean Lock.
Diane’s ‘After Life’ co-star Michelle Greenidge is a regular cast member, playing Mandy’s pal Lola, alongside Michael Spicer, Alistair Green, Mark Silcox, Jackie Clune, Emily Dean, Masashi Fujimoto, Akemnji Ndifornyen, Tony Way and broadcaster Iain Lee.