Natalie Anderson

Natalie Jane Anderson (born 24 October 1981) is an English actress, singer and television presenter who is known for her roles as Stella Davenport in the medical drama The Royal from 2005 to 2008 and Alicia Metcalfe in the ITV soap opera Emmerdale from 2010 to 2015. She also played the role of Nessarose in the London production Wicked from May 2009 to March 2010. In 2015, she began appearing on the ITV talk shows This Morning and Loose Women on a recurring basis; Anderson also played Lexi Calder in the Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks from 2021 to 2022. In 2021, she played the role of Maryanne Borden in Liam Neeson action thriller Memory. In 2023, Anderson took guest roles in Happy Valley and Boiling Point and appeared on stage at Hull Truck Theatre as Kayla in Anna Jordan’s two hander play Pop Music. In 2024, Anderson played Claire Walker in the Netflix adaptation of Harlan Coben’s thriller “Fool Me Once”.

Early and personal life Anderson was born in Bradford, West Yorkshire, England. She was once a Bradford Bulls cheerleader. Anderson married James Shepherd at a ceremony in Harrogate on 6 June 2008. On 1 August 2012, Anderson gave birth to their first child, a son.

Career In 2001, Anderson competed in Pop Idol; she narrowly missed out on a place in the live finals after finishing third in her group. Anderson appeared as Nurse Stella Davenport in the ITV drama series The Royal between 2005 and 2008. Then in 2008, she released an album, Return to Me.

From 2009–2010, Anderson played the role of Nessarose in the West End production of Wicked at Apollo Theatre taking over the role from Caroline Keiff.

Anderson joined the cast of Emmerdale in 2010 as Alicia Gallagher, Leyla Harding's (Roxy Shahidi) sister. On 24 May 2015, Anderson announced she would be not be renewing her contract for Emmerdale and would leave the soap after five years.

On 9 February 2014, Anderson appeared on the ITV entertainment show, All Star Family Fortunes with her family, who were competing against Steve Redgrave and his family. On 27 September 2014, Anderson appeared in a celebrity episode of The Chase. In 2015, she began appearing on the ITV talk shows Loose Women and This Morning as a features presenter. From 2017 to 2018, Anderson originated the role of Lauren in Kay Mellor’s Fat Friends The Musical which had its world premiere at Leeds Grand Theatre. From 2018 to 2019, Anderson hosted Mishaps Podcast with Jodie Prenger and Neil Hurst. In October 2021, she began appearing in the Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks as Lexi Calder. Natalie played Maryanne Borden in the Liam Neeson action feature Memory, released 29 April 2022. In 2023, Anderson took supporting roles in BBC’s Happy Valley and Boiling Point. In 2024, Anderson played Claire Walker in the Netflix adaptation of Harlan Coben’s thriller Fool Me Once.

Filmography

Awards and nominations Year Award Category Work Result 2006 12th National Television Awards Most Popular Newcomer The Royal 2011 British Soap Awards Sexiest Female Emmerdale 2011 TV Choice Awards Best Soap Newcomer Emmerdale 2011 Inside Soap Awards Sexiest Female Emmerdale 2012 British Soap Awards Sexiest Female Emmerdale 2012 All About Soap Awards Best Dressed Soap Star Emmerdale 2012 Inside Soap Awards Sexiest Female Emmerdale 2013 British Soap Awards Sexiest Female Emmerdale 2013 Inside Soap Awards Sexiest Female Emmerdale 2014 2014 British Soap Awards Sexiest Female Emmerdale 2014 Inside Soap Awards Sexiest Female Emmerdale 2015 2015 British Soap Awards Best Actress Emmerdale 2015 2015 British Soap Awards Best Dramatic Performance Emmerdale 2015 Inside Soap Awards Best Actress Emmerdale 2015 Inside Soap Awards Sexiest Female Emmerdale