Natalie Cassidy reveals daughter rushed to hospital after suffering serious arm injury

The actress, best known for playing Sonia Fowler in the long-running BBC soap, said she was left devastated after learning that Joanie had broken the same arm for a third time. Speaking on her podcast Life With Nat, Cassidy described the incident as "traumatic" and admitted she felt as though she was having a "nervous breakdown" following the accident.

According to Cassidy, Joanie slipped and fell at school shortly before a PE lesson, resulting in a severe break to her left arm.

"Joanie's broken her arm again. Same arm – smashed to pieces. General anaesthetic, same operation," Cassidy explained.

The injury comes only weeks after Joanie had undergone surgery to remove metal plates that had been inserted following a previous break. Cassidy revealed that her daughter had originally suffered a clean break several years ago before later fracturing the same arm again, requiring surgical intervention.

Doctors have carried out extensive tests to determine whether an underlying medical condition could be responsible for the repeated fractures. However, all results returned normal.

"The consultant actually said, 'I do think it's just really bad luck,'" Cassidy said.

Despite the emotional ordeal, the television star praised NHS staff for the care and support they provided during Joanie's hospital stay.

"The staff were wonderful. We were so well looked after again," she said.

The latest injury has also complicated the family's upcoming holiday plans, with Cassidy explaining that special arrangements will now need to be made to ensure Joanie can travel safely while wearing a cast.

Natalie shares Joanie with fiancé Marc Humphreys, whom she met while working on EastEnders. She is also mother to daughter Eliza from a previous relationship.

Fans have since taken to social media to send messages of support to Cassidy and her family, wishing Joanie a speedy recovery.