The soap favourite left fans doing a double-take after showing off a seriously glam new look.

The actress, 42, ditched her soap character’s casual style for a sleek new look while promoting her new book Happy Days with publisher Harper Collins.

Natalie, known for playing trumpet-blowing nurse Sonia on the BBC soap, looked stunning in a floor-length polka dot dress with mesh hem.

Taking to her Instagram stories, Natalie showed off a series of snaps from her night out.

She switched up her signature brunette locks for a fresh blonde style, complete with voluminous, bouncy waves.

The soap star finished off her look with bronzed cheeks, fluttery lashes, and a nude lip, looking every inch the glam queen.

The popular actress pointed to her HapeCollins author badge and captioned the snap “This Proud”.

Natalie recently took to Instagram in a fiery rant over “terrible and made up” allegations.

She screen-grabbed an article image and concerning headline, which read: “Natalie Cassidy Breaks Down as She Reveals Breast Cancer Diagnosis.”

It then allegedly featured a quote from the TV star which read: “I Didn’t Want Anyone to Know…”

She furiously wrote in her caption: “THIS IS DISGUSTING AND DISGRACEFUL.

“So many people are going through this and I have had messages asking if I’m ok.

“It is completely made up and a terrible story.

“Take this down whoever you are.”

Meanwhile, Natalie and her co-host Joanna Page have been dealt a huge blow after the BBC failed to re-commission their podcast.

The pair had teamed up for the audio show discussing all things on and off the box.

On the podcast, Natalie had addressed Masked Singer theories suggesting she was Bush – which proved to be correct – as well as opening up on her nerves for EastEnders’ 40th anniversary episode.

Yet the episodes, which generally clock in at under an hour long, will now come to an end.

Welsh screen star Joanna took to her Instagram Stories to post an image of the pair promoting their show and the words: “Our lovely pod is ending and we want to hear from you about your favourite Off The Telly moments.

“Send us a voicenote,” before stating the contact number.

The Sun has reached out to the BBC for comment and a spokesperson told us: “What started as a six month project turned into more than a year of joyous TV chatter, and over 80 heart-warming episodes.

“Though they both loved making the series, Natalie Cassidy and Joanna Page have very busy schedules and on the 21st May, the final episode of Off the Telly will be released on BBC Sounds.

“Thank you to Nat and Jo for their warm recommendations and insider analysis, and to the whole team for keeping listeners in the loop with what to watch.

“We look forward to working with Nat and Jo again soon!”

Natalie, who quit her EastEnders role as Sonia Fowler earlier this year, still has her own podcast, Life With Nat.