 Following the introduction of her siblings , Donna 's mother was also introduced in February 2009 . Australian actress and singer , Tottie Goldsmith was given the role of Cassandra Freedman . Goldsmith described her character as being " manipulative " and " insanely selfish " . Donna and her mother were seen clashing on many occasions as Cassandra had hurt her daughter a lot in the past . Cassandra was a young girl when she had Donna and she did not have the maturity to deal with a baby . Goldsmith said that Cassandra " resented Donna and saw her as a threat . Over the years , Cass has hurt Donna so much that her daughter 's almost become immune to the way her mother behaves " . Goldsmith added that Cassandra is not a " maternal person " and she has not been able to connect with her children . Cassandra moves into the street in a bid to win over wealthy resident , Paul Robinson ( Stefan Dennis ) . She is later driven out of town after she makes her relationship with Donna worse . 
