Loose Women star was ‘so broke’ she walked streets to find 50p for food

Nadia was so broke when starring on Eastenders she begged for 50p Loose Women star Nadia Sawalha admitted she had been “so broke” before her big break on EastEnders that she would walk the streets to find money for food. “I was so broke when I got EastEnders I would walk along the streets, kicking around the streets to get 50p for a potato – for a jacket potato to put in the oven,” she told her co-stars. The ITV chat show panelist, 58, added: “I never thought I had a chance [to be on the show]. When I joined they were at 18 million viewers.” Co-star Katie Piper confessed to feeling starstruck by Nadia when she first joined the show as she recalled thinking: “Wow, I’m in a meeting room with Annie Palmer!” Annie was last seen back in 1999 when the character left Walford behind and moved to New Zealand. Loose Women: Nadia talked about how broke she had been before her soap stint It came as the stars of the show talked about EastEnders losing fans, with Kaye Adams explaining: “Apparently fans of the iconic soap are turning off, with a TV insider warning that it’s a worrying time for EastEnders. “[And that] we could be watching its final years, which all feels a little bit drastic, doesn’t it? Because it’s still hugely popular. “Nadia, our one and only Eastender on the panel, having played Annie Palmer – would you be sad to see EastEnders go?” “Do you know what, I still can’t believe I got a part in EastEnders!” Nadia responded. “Neither can we,” Kaye joked before Nadia detailed how she had struggled before landing the role. Loose Women: Nadia starred as Annie Palmer in the 1990s SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info Trending