Brit Award winner insists she was bullied at notorious North London comprehensive as feud with soap star erupts
A sensational war of words has erupted between two of Britain’s most beloved stars after EastEnders icon Natalie Cassidy dropped a bombshell claim that chart-topper Paloma Faith bullied her during their school days in North London.
The explosive revelation has sent shockwaves through showbusiness, with the “Only Love Can Hurt Like This” singer now hitting back, insisting SHE was actually the one who suffered torment at their notoriously tough comprehensive school.
The Bombshell Accusation
The drama unfolded when a listener of Paloma’s hit podcast “Mad, Sad & Bad” left a scathing review that has now gone viral. The reviewer claimed: “Does it have to be so dark? If so, you may touch on the fact you where a school bully Paloma! Thought it was just us, but you bullied Natalie Cassidy too! (evidence is on Nats pod… She mentions it 7/5/25 for reference)”
The damning review suggested that the 43-year-old singer had tormented the soap star during their overlapping time in Islington, North London, where both grew up and attended local schools.
The Islington Connection
Both stars have deep roots in the same corner of North London, with their paths crossing during their formative years:
Paloma Faith:
- Attended Islington Green School, in Prebend Street, when it was one of the worst performing in the borough
- Born in the Hackney area of London on 21 July 1981
- Was raised by her mother in Stoke Newington
- Later studied A-levels at City and Islington College
Natalie Cassidy:
- As a child, Cassidy attended the Anna Scher Theatre
- Born on 13 May 1983 in Islington, London, England, UK
- Joined EastEnders at just 10 years old in 1993
The ‘Rough’ School That Made Headlines
The school at the centre of this drama has its own notorious history. Islington Green School was famously the institution that Tony and Cherie Blair decided was not good enough for their son Euan – a decision that made national headlines at the time.
The school failed its Ofsted inspection in 1997 and was known for its challenging environment. Despite its reputation, Paloma has previously defended the school, saying the teachers were “incredible” and helped shape her into the artist she became.
A School With Pop Culture Legacy
Interestingly, the school has an unexpected claim to fame in music history. Students from the school were featured on Pink Floyd’s 1979 album The Wall in the song “Another Brick in the Wall (Part II)” – perhaps a fitting backdrop for what appears to have been a difficult environment for many pupils.
The school was eventually closed in 2008 and replaced by City of London Academy Islington, marking the end of an era for the controversial institution.
Paloma’s Rise Despite Adversity
The “Stone Cold Sober” singer has previously spoken about her challenging upbringing and how she overcame shyness to become a performer. She admits she was quite shy while growing up and had to get a gentle nudge to participate in school plays.
Despite the tough environment, Paloma has credited her Islington education with giving her the confidence to succeed. In a previous interview, she stated: “I think it was my Islington education that gave me the ability to have my own opinions, and I’m proud of that”.
Natalie’s Own Bullying Storylines
Ironically, Natalie Cassidy’s EastEnders character Sonia has been at the centre of several bullying storylines over the years. Other storylines included a period where Sonia was bullied by her friend Clare Bates (Gemma Bissix) after she fell in with the wrong crowd at school.
The actress, who has played Sonia since 1993, has won multiple awards for her portrayal of the beloved character, including Best Actress at the 2001 British Soap Awards.
The Fallout
The controversy has cast a shadow over Paloma’s successful podcast, which launched in January 2025 and features candid conversations with celebrities about mental health and life challenges. The review criticising the podcast as “BLEAK” has sparked debate among fans of both stars.
Neither Paloma nor Natalie have publicly addressed the specific allegations directly, but sources close to both camps suggest the revelations have caused considerable upset.
What Happens Next?
As this extraordinary feud continues to unfold, fans are left wondering whether the two North London natives will address their shared past publicly. Will they reconcile their differences, or will this childhood drama continue to haunt their adult success?
One thing is certain – this shocking revelation proves that even decades later, school playground politics can come back to haunt you, no matter how famous you become.
Image: Natalie Cassidy crop.jpg
Author: The Co-operative
License: CC BY 2.0
Source: Wikimedia Commons
