Emmerdale star’s heartfelt reason for quitting soap before ‘nerve-racking’ ITV comeback

Natalie Anderson played Emmerdale’s Alicia Metcalfe for five years

Former Emmerdale favourite Natalie Anderson has reflected on her decision to leave the soap, where she played Alicia Metcalfe from 2010 until 2015. Fans last saw Alicia heading off to Portugal following a dramatic time, and she’s not been back to the Dales since.

Post-Emmerdale, the 43-year-old actress focused on motherhood while juggling various acting gigs, which has included a part in the 2022 film Memory, and a role in Netflix’s popular series Fool Me Once.

This year, Natalie felt it was the right time to make a comeback to soap land, and she joined Coronation Street as Danielle, the secret wife of Theo Silverton (James Cartwright), in April.

Reflecting on her reason to quit Emmerdale 10 years ago, she said: “I had a three-year-old son that I’d not really seen that much.

“My priority was being a mum and I wanted to be hands-on. I’d done five really great years as Alicia at Emmerdale, and I needed a rest and some time to be with my family.”

Natalie Anderson is now a part of the Coronation Street cast

Natalie insists she has no regrets over her decision, as she’s had “the absolute best time of my life” creating memories with her son Freddie.

Now that he is a bit older, the actress has adapted to a better work-life balance and is loving her role on Coronation Street.

Despite being an actress for 20 years however, she admitted to being “terrified” about joining the cast of the iconic ITV soap.

When quizzed on whether she took to her new role with ease, she told Best Magazine: “No, I was terrified on my first day! There’s something very iconic about Coronation Street.

“Growing up, I watched Raquel and all the scraps – Gail and Eileen and Ken and Deidre.

“So when you finally get your moment, it’s pretty special. I had a scene in Roy’s Rolls and David Neilson was just behind me.

“In my head I was like, ‘Oh, my God, it’s Roy!’ It was nerve-wracking. But once you’re settled in, it’s a lovely place to work.”

Natalie Anderson joined Coronation Street as Theo Silverton’s wife Danielle

Since her arrival on the cobbles in April, Alicia has found herself embroiled in marital turmoil.

Earlier in the year, she was left reeling after catching her husband Theo locked in a romantic embrace with Todd Grimshaw (Gareth Pierce).

As their divorce proceedings get underway, Danielle has grown close to Noah Hedley (Richard Winsor), with forthcoming episodes set to unveil a shocking development.

The plot thickens when Danielle’s estranged husband Theo stumbles upon her new romance with Noah, who played a role in his traumatic past.

Years ago, Theo was subjected to conversion therapy, and Noah was involved in the ordeal.

With Danielle’s ex only just beginning to accept his identity and exploring a fresh start with Todd, this blast from the past could potentially shatter his newfound peace.