EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy has shared an exciting update about her new BBC documentary.

The actor, who played Sonia Fowler on the BBC One soap until her departure earlier this year, is following in the footsteps of her character and looking after people, with a camera crew documenting her journey.

In a column for the i newspaper website, Natalie wrote: “In a new BBC documentary that I am making I am heading to college to study health and social care. I am loving every minute, and I cannot wait for you all to watch next year.”

The documentary, which has the working title Natalie Cassidy: Learning to Care, will consist of 12 episodes running at half an hour each. It is expected to air on BBC One and stream on iPlayer.

“I’m thrilled to be embarking on a new adventure with BBC Daytime,” the actor said when the series was announced.

“In a series exploring social care, I will be going back to college and learning for the first time since leaving school at 16.

“Caring has always been a huge part of my life, from watching my mum care for my nan, to being a mother and caring for my dad, this series is close to my heart and I can’t wait for you to see it.”

Outside of EastEnders, Natalie also recently appeared in BBC series Boarders, she hosts two podcasts, and announced a book due for release later this year.