View Full Version : Leyla's sister Alicia Harding
GORGEOUS Natalie Anderson will "raise hell" as the latest sexy addition to the cast of Emmerdale.
The 28-year-old will play "brassy and trashy" Alicia Harding, who will blaze a trail of destruction as she tries to settle old scores with her sister Leyla (Rokhsaneh Ghawam-Shahidi).
Last night Bradford-born Natalie, who starred as nurse Stella Davenport in ITV1's The Royal, said: "I'm thrilled to be joining the show. I'm a Yorkshire girl so a part in Emmerdale is a dream come true.
"Alicia's a complex character. She's not all she seems and is set to make life complicated for Leyla."
Other new signings include hunky Jason Merrells, 41, as tycoon Declan Macey and ex-Hear'Say singer Suzanne Shaw, 28, playing maneater Eve Jenson.
West End actress Natalie Anderson is to swap the fictional realm of Oz for the Yorkshire Dales later this year as she joins the cast of Emmerdale.
The 28-year-old - whose year-long stage stint as Nessarose, The Wicked Witch of the East in the award-winning musical Wicked came to an end in March - takes on the role of Leyla Harding's (Rokhsaneh Ghawam-Shahidi) fiery sibling Alicia.
Described as "brassy and trashy and full of attitude", Alicia bounds into village in the summer and makes it clear from the outset that she has unfinished business with Leyla, who has only recently settled down with boyfriend David (Matthew Wolfenden).
With their relationship far from perfect, Leyla's forced to deal with Alicia's arrival in an attempt to keep her "murky and scandal-ridden" past buried.
Speaking of her casting, Anderson said: Natalie says: "I'm absolutely thrilled to be joining the show. It'll be wonderful to be working back home in Yorkshire again. I'm a Yorkshire girl so a part in Emmerdale is a dream come true!
She added: "Alicia is a complex character, she's not all she seems and she's set to make life quite complicated for Leyla."
Series producer Gavin Blyth commented: "We're delighted to have Natalie on board. She's a great actress and a wonderful addition to the cast. Alicia will start stirring things up in Leyla's life the minute she sets foot in the village."
Anderson - who also starred as nurse Stella Davenport in The Royal - is due to begin filming at the rural soap's home in Leeds next month, and will make her screen debut in August.
Leyla is annoying as it is
EMMERDALE is turning up the heat on its rivals with yet another *sizzling new signing.
And they don’t get much *hotter than sexy actress *Natalie Anderson – as our stunning picture shows.
The gorgeous brunette, best known for playing saucy nurse Stella Davenport in hospital *drama The Royal, starts filming with the ITV1 soap next month as Leyla Harding’s trashy sister *Alicia.
But Leyla, who has just settled into domestic bliss with hunky boyfriend David Metcalfe, will not be happy to see her.
So when she blazes into the village full of *attitude and with an axe to grind, Leyla is terrified she’ll reveal her murky past.
And it quickly *becomes clear there is a lot of bad blood *between the sisters.
Speaking about joining the soap, Natalie, 28, a proud Yorkshire lass, said the part was a dream come true for her.
The Bradford-born beauty said: “I’m thrilled to be joining the show. It’ll be wonderful working back home in Yorkshire again.
“Alicia is a complex character, she’s not at all what she seems and is set to make life quite *complicated for Leyla.”
Natalie is the latest in a string of new signings after bosses decided that sex would be their secret weapon in the ratings war with Corrie and EastEnders. They’ve already *unleashed former Hear’Say babe *Suzanne Shaw and hunk Jason Merrells, both of whom are set for even more romp-filled action in a few months.
An Emmerdale insider told the Daily Star Sunday: “Natalie is *absolutely stunning, a real *head-turner.
“Her character is outspoken and brassy.
“But she’s also one of the sexiest girls we’ve ever had on the soap. She’s going to set pulses *racing.”
Producer Gavin Blyth said: “We’re delighted to have Natalie on board.
“She’s a great *actress and a *wonderful addition to the cast.”
Viewers can catch Natalie on screen from August.
tammyy2j
28-05-2010, 11:49
She will probably go after David
tammyy2j
03-08-2010, 10:48
Former Wicked actress Natalie Anderson makes her debut in Emmerdale next week, appearing in the role of Leyla Harding's fiery sister Alicia Gallagher. The siblings have not seen eye-to-eye for some time, and following the death of their mother, Alicia wastes no time in telling Leyla that she's not welcome at the funeral. When Leyla ignores the warning and turns up at the service, the pair's spat gets even worse. What's the reason for their feud and will they ever make it up? Here, DS chats to West End star Natalie to find out.
How did the part in Emmerdale come about?
"Well, I've known the producer for quite a long time and I'd previously auditioned in front of him for Coronation Street. I'd also worked with the executive producer, Steve November, on The Royal. I think that when the character of Alicia came up, because I'd been up for a sister in Coronation Street, they thought of me and asked me to come in and meet with them. It all went from there really, and it's been lovely."
Did you watch Emmerdale before you joined the show?
"Oh yeah, I'm a huge Emmerdale fan! I'm a bit of an Emmerdale geek. Being a Yorkshire girl, it's always been my soap of choice because it's the one that I can relate to more than anything else. My very first primary school was just down the road from a farm - at the bottom of the farm was our school. So for me, the role just made sense because I really related to it. I've always been a fan."
How would you describe Alicia?
"Definitely bold as brass! She doesn't mince her words and she's quite hot-headed as well. She's got quite a tough exterior. The easiest way for me to describe her is that she's a bit like a hurricane - she arrives, she spins things up and then she goes, leaving all this chaos behind her! She's a great character to play as I'm thinking that I'm hopefully not really like that!"
How is she first introduced?
"To be honest it's not very nice how she comes into the village. Leyla and Alicia's mum has sadly passed away, and Alicia comes to the village to warn Leyla that she doesn't want her at the funeral and she shouldn't come. It's quite negative from the audience's perspective - they'll be thinking, 'Oh gosh, what's gone on here?' They probably won't like my character straight away because she's not very nice to her sister."
Leyla ignores Alicia's wishes and goes to the funeral anyway. How does Alicia react?
"Not very well! They kind of have a bit of a screaming match at each other and it doesn't go down very well with Alicia - she's really annoyed that she's turned up. But she obviously respects the fact that it is her mum too, and she does have a right to be there. So for the sake of their mother, she tolerates it."
What's caused the bad blood between Alicia and Leyla?
"All I can really say is that something has definitely gone on between them! What it is will be revealed in the next few weeks. The biggest clue I can give is that Alicia is fiercely protective of her family unit and she doesn't want anything to come between that. So you can read into that what you want! (Laughs)"
Does Alicia just want Leyla to stay out of her life, or will we see her trying to cause trouble for her sister?
"She doesn't really want to cause trouble - she just doesn't want her around. She doesn't wish anything bad on her sister, she just doesn't want her in her life at the moment. She'd prefer it if she just disappeared."
Is there any chance that they can put their differences aside and move on?
"Hopefully we'll see that despite all the bad blood, hate and love are very close and that these sisters really do love each other. Fingers crossed we'll see that there's a softer side and have some sort of reconciliation. But we'll just have to wait and see…"
Alicia has a husband, Justin, and a son called Jacob. What's her relationship like with them?
"She absolutely dotes on her son - she really, really loves him to pieces. With her husband, things are a little bit strained between them when we first see them. But she's a strong family woman with morals. She's very much for being a good wife and a good mum."
What's it like playing someone who's so outspoken?
"Do you know what, it's really good fun! It's my way of venting! I hope that I'm a bit more polite, but she says stuff that I would never dream of saying! I think it's a bit like therapy - if you've had a rough day, go in and be Alicia for a day and you just get to say what you want!"
And we've heard that Alicia has a bit of a trashy dress sense - has that been fun?
"Yeah, it's brilliant. I've been so lucky because I've had a lot of input into how she looks, how she dresses and everything she wears. It's been great fun because, again, her dress sense is completely different to mine. She's glamorous and wears really low-cut tops and short skirts. But there's definite reasons for the way she dresses and I'm hoping that viewers will start to understand Alicia and see that underneath this tough exterior, she's quite insecure. I think some of that is perhaps reflected in the way she dresses. But she's definitely quite brassy - there's a lot of jewellery and a lot of fake hair and fake nails!"
Where can you see Alicia going in the long-term?
"Oh gosh, who knows? Terrorising the village! We'll have to just wait and see. I'm interested myself to see what the writers are going to do with the character. I think I'd definitely like to see her ruffle a few more feathers in the village…"
How does Alicia compare to characters that you've played in the past?
"Alicia is completely different to anything else that I've ever played. My character on The Royal was quite bubbly to start with and again quite loud, but she really matured in the three or four years that we saw her and tended to be a bit quieter towards the end. Alicia is just much more outspoken and quite tough, whereas I've never really been asked to play a character with a hard edge. I tend to get the roles that are a little bit softer."
What's it like working with Rokhsaneh?
"She's absolutely fantastic. I really love her and we get on so well. It's so nice because we're both chatty, bubbly people, so we're very similar and that's quite nice. We have such a laugh when we're on set together, and especially when we've been filming scenes where we've not really been getting on! It's been really funny because as soon as the scene's over, we just start laughing!"
And have the rest of the cast made you feel welcome?
"Yeah, the rest of the cast have been so lovely. I was fortunate that I'd met a couple of people before joining. When I was on The Royal there were events with ITV, so I'd met Tom Lister and Matthew Wolfenden before. That's been quite nice. I've been lucky as well because a lot of the crew I knew from working on The Royal, so I've not felt quite as scared - although I was absolutely petrified on my first day!"
You joined the show at a similar time to Pauline Quirke - did you bond as the two new girls?
"Yeah! It was lovely because Pauline's such a lovely lady. The pair of us were discussing what it was like to walk through the village - it's really iconic and it's like, 'Oh my gosh!' You have to pinch yourself as you're really lucky to be there. It's been nice - we've had a bit of bonding over that!"
You played the role of Nessarose in Wicked for almost a year - is theatre something that you'd like to do more of?
"I definitely want to do more musical theatre! At the moment, my priority is definitely Emmerdale - just enjoying whatever they give me for however long they want me there. But I definitely want to do more musical theatre sometime in the future. Doing Wicked was tough because I was away from my husband for a year and I only got to see him on a Sunday, so that side of things is incredibly difficult, but having Emmerdale is amazing because I'm living back at home now. But I think I'd consider it somewhere along the line in the future - doing another show or something. Obviously if it was offered to me - I can't just assume that I'm just going to get something!"
What's more demanding - a theatre schedule or a soap schedule?
"I think I would say that a theatre schedule is more demanding. We do get the odd day off when we're filming Emmerdale. Yes, we may film 15 or 16 hour days, but it's not constant - it all depends on the storyline that you're in. Whereas, with theatre, it's eight shows a week and you've only got so many weeks off. Last year, I literally had Christmas Day off over Christmas, so I didn't really get to spend time with my family. So theatre is definitely much more demanding."
After all of the changes that have been made to Emmerdale, what do you think of the current state of the show?
"I think it's absolutely brilliant. It's getting better and better. The production team are absolutely fantastic, the writing team is brilliant, the storylines are brilliant and I'm so proud to be part of it right now because I think it's coming into a new era. Even though it's always been really popular, I think it's really getting to the point now where it's making its own stand against Coronation Street and EastEnders. It's standing there on its own two feet and being taken for itself, in its own right. Danny Miller, who plays Aaron, is absolutely amazing and when they had all the stuff with Sally Spode last year, it was absolutely fantastic viewing. I'm a huge fan of the show anyway, so I'm really proud."
Are you enjoying working with Gavin?
"It's been great working with him - he's absolutely fantastic and he's let me have quite a lot of input with this character. He's given me quite a definite brief, but then I've been able to talk to him about ideas for the character, so that's been really lovely. He's such a nice guy."
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Emmerdale newcomer Natalie Anderson has revealed that she wears "chicken fillets" when filming the show.
The actress, who makes her debut on the ITV1 soap this week playing Leyla Harding's sister Alicia Gallagher, admitted that it helps in the portrayal of her character.
Speaking to the Daily Star Sunday, she said: "I showed my mum one of the first pictures I had taken as Alicia. The first thing she noticed was the size of my boobs, which wasn’t hard because they’re humongous.
"It’s a big part of who the character is. Alicia is someone who needs to feel womanly and what better way to do that than show off a great chest. So I wear a padded bra with two chicken fillets sewn into each side. When I first saw them I couldn’t believe them either. But that really is as far as I’d go.
"So many beautiful young actresses are going under the knife and most of them really don’t need to. It saddens me when I read about girls having different cosmetic surgery procedures. You just have to love what God gave you."
Speaking of her character's arrival in the village, she added: "Alicia is bound to get judged straight away because of the way she dresses. But there’s a lot more to her than meets the eye.
"The sisters hate each other but it’s going to be a while before viewers find out why. When I read the scripts I was like, ‘Oh my God, well I didn’t see that one coming!'"
walsh2509
10-08-2010, 19:08
on Leyla and David's shop ? the Wylde's had it and couldn't make a penny with it so they close it down. So what do this pair do , buy the shop and open it with nearly the same sort of goods, little or no trade seen going in to it and you would imagine no passing trade. How do they keep it going ? Ok its a soap but come on
I agree with you, thought she was doing something else with the shop, not sell the same merchandise as before.
Natalie Anderson has revealed that she is an Emmerdale "geek".
The former Wickedwarning to her sister Leyla Harding (Rokhsaneh Ghawam-Shahidi).
Anderson told Digital Spy: "I'm a huge Emmerdale fan! I'm a bit of an Emmerdale geek.
"Being a Yorkshire girl, it's always been my soap of choice because it's the one that I can relate to more than anything else. My very first primary school was just down the road from a farm - at the bottom of the farm was our school."
She added: "So for me, the role just made sense because I really related to it. I've always been a fan."
Anderson admitted that she is unsure what the ITV soap's writers have planned for Alicia.
"I'm interested myself to see what the writers are going to do with the character," she said. "I think I'd definitely like to see her ruffle a few more feathers in the village."
tammyy2j
13-08-2010, 12:11
I thunk Leyla had an affair with Alicia's husband in the past or he was Leyla's boyfriend first
walsh2509
14-08-2010, 00:46
Seen that right off at the funeral and when she went to the house, then told David he was a sales rep. When all she need do was to say to David he was part of the family.
Ruffed_lemur
14-08-2010, 18:57
Seen that right off at the funeral and when she went to the house, then told David he was a sales rep. When all she need do was to say to David he was part of the family.
Yes, people in soaps lie as if it's nothing. What's the big deal about him being related? Maybe she doesn't want to answer David's questions about her family? Probably the " sales rep " will be back again soon and we'll find out more.
amazinggrace
14-08-2010, 23:31
I think the kid is Leyla's and she had it with her sisters husband then handed it over to her sis.
Natalie Anderson has insisted that she is nothing like her Emmerdale character Alicia Gallagher.
The former West End actress joined the ITV soap last month as Lleya Harding's (Rokhsaneh Ghawam-Shahidi) sister.
"She's brazen and quite spiteful and I'm really not like that at all, I hope," she told The Mirror. "She says what she thinks and there are no airs and graces about her whatsoever.
"But while she comes across as bold as brass with a hard exterior, there is a softer side to her. She's a devoted mum and a loving wife with very strong morals."
Anderson also revealed her husband's reaction to a photograph of her in character.
"She's brassy and trashy and wears miniskirts, low-cut tops, padded bras, hair extensions and lots of fake tan and massive jewellery," she said. "I showed James the first picture of myself done up as Alicia and he said he didn't quite know whether he fancied her or wanted to give her a good wash.
"Make of that what you will."
Emmerdale's Natalie Anderson is pleased viewers have finally warmed to her character Alicia Gallagher.
The former star of West End show Wicked joined the soap as brassy barmaid Alicia in May last year, but she revealed that her flirtatious nature and difficult relationship with sister Leyla meant some Dales fans didn't like her.
Natalie told Inside Soap magazine: "I definitely felt the public attitude towards Alicia changing - when she first arrived in the village people would come up to me and say 'You're so nasty! Why are you so horrible to your sister?'"
She went on: "After we saw how vulnerable she can be, though, people are now telling me, 'I love her! She makes me laugh! She says the cheekiest things! And she's a great barmaid.'
"Viewers have warmed to her, so I'm really pleased."
And while the 29-year-old actress-and-singer is returning to the recording studio soon to work on a follow-up to her debut album Return To Me which she released in 2008, she has no plans to leave Emmerdale any time soon.
She said: "I plan to stay. I'm a huge fan of the show, so I'm thrilled to be here."
PA
I am not that fond of her yet
Emmerdale's Alicia Gallagher resorts to desperate measures in next week's episodes as her financial troubles escalate. With Jacob's birthday fast approaching and Justin still spoiling his son as much as possible, Alicia is saddened by the knowledge that she won't be able to give the youngster a perfect present. Later, when Leyla starts putting pressure on Alicia about an overdue rent payment, the village barmaid panics and decides to raise funds by raiding her sister's shop for stock, secretly loading cigarettes and booze into a hold-all. Here, actress Natalie Anderson - who plays Alicia - chats to Digital Spy about her character's shock decision.
As Justin has been spoiling Jacob so much recently, do you think he's trying to upstage Alicia?
"I think there is maybe a little bit of that, but not too much. I don't think he's being really vindictive. He obviously loves Jacob just as much as Alicia does but he's not getting to see him as much, as she pretty much has him full-time. I think Justin is probably feeling a bit scared, so he's showering him with gifts to make Jacob love him. But, at the same time, I do think there is a little bit of him that knows Alicia doesn't have as much money as him and that he can buy Jacob bigger and better."
What's going through Alicia's mind when she steals from Leyla's shop?
"When she goes into the shop, she's basically really, really desperate because she wants to buy Jacob a present that he really wants for his birthday and she wants to be the best mum in the world. Because she isn't his biological mum, she's got that fear that he will one day grow up and leave her, so she's trying to overcompensate for that. So it's pure desperation when she goes into the shop and does what she does, rather than being malicious or vindictive."
Does she regret it afterwards?
"You'll see that she's very regretful and you'll see that it's not been easy for her to do this. She feels very, very guilty. But her attitude is also that desperate times call for desperate measures, she has to get on with this and it's been for a good cause."
Why do you think Alicia hasn't done the honest thing and asked Leyla for some financial help?
"I think Alicia thinks that would be admitting failure on her part and that Leyla might want to take Jacob back. She's frightened that Leyla might say, 'Well obviously you can't do this - you're not good enough to be his mum'. So that's Alicia's biggest fear. Also, Alicia is a really proud person and that's why she doesn't go to anybody else for help either. It's silly on her part, though, as pride comes before a fall at the end of the day - and that's what happens here. Her own pride gets her into trouble."
Does Leyla have any suspicions when she notices the stock is missing?
"I think she trusts her sister too much, so at this point she has no suspicions whatsoever that it's Alicia."
Often it's been Leyla deceiving Alicia or keeping secrets, rather than the other way around, so has it been nice to explore this different dynamic?
"Yeah, the shoe's on the other foot! I think it joins them as sisters and you can see that they're both quite secretive. They've got this thing inside of them where they're quite proud, they keep secrets and they don't like to speak up! I think it unites them as sisters and shows that they've come from the same tree!"
On a lighter note, are you enjoying the Alicia and Andy relationship?
"Oh yeah, that's lovely! Kelvin Fletcher is great to work with and it's been fun to show Alicia on that journey - having her really interested in somebody after being married to Justin. It's been a lovely journey for both of them, really, and definitely fun to play."
Not long after stealing from Leyla, Alicia spends the night with Andy for the first time. Is she confident that it's the right moment?
"To be honest, I think part of the reason for that is because she feels so bad about what she's done and she feels really lonely. She just wants someone to look after her. She's been running around doing all of these bad things, trying to provide for Jake, and I think that she just wants to be with someone who's going to be nice to her. But I think she is falling for him - she can see that he's a really good dad to Sarah, he's caring and he's affectionate. Yes, he has a past, but so has she. Them spending the night together might not necessarily be the right time, but it just happens."
What's the reaction been like from viewers since you first appeared on screen as Alicia?
"It's actually been really positive! Initially some people were saying they didn't like her because she was being horrible to Leyla, but since then people have warmed to her because I think she's quite humourous. So once the two sisters sorted out their problems, I think people could see that humour in Alicia and they actually quite like her now. I have people coming up to me on the street saying, 'Oh, Alicia's really funny!', which is lovely. It's been a lot more positive than I thought it was going to be."
What have been your favourite storylines so far?
"I loved it when Jake went missing. It sounds horrible, but what I mean by that is that I loved the drama of it and it was brilliant to get the chance to really work a lot with Rokhsaneh. Obviously I do work with her nearly every day, but we had so much material with that storyline, a brilliant director and Matthew Wolfenden was amazing. And little Joe-Warren, who plays Jake, was pushed just as much with all of the stuff that he had - he's such a wonderful child and I love him to pieces. So I loved that and I'm also really enjoying the Andy and Alicia storyline - I'm really looking forward to seeing where it's going to go. I'd like a wedding for sure! A big massive dress would be brilliant. But we'll have to wait and see - this is soap at the end of the day, and it can't always be happily ever after!"
Do you think Jacob's disappearance changed the viewers' perception of Alicia slightly?
"Yeah, I think when Jacob went missing and it was revealed that Justin is Jacob's real father, people saw how awful the news was for Alicia and they also saw how much she really, really loved her son when he went missing. For me to film that was agonising as I was upset the whole time!"
Do you prefer Alicia's nicer side or her outspoken and feisty moments?
"I love the fact that she can always go either way. There's scenes that I have that are funny and there are scenes where I'm having a go at someone, and I love that - she's never just one or the other. Depending on what script I'm doing, Alicia can be shouting one moment and then really funny the next. It's nice when you can have the comedy as well as the craziness and I like them both equally."
We've seen Alicia as a mum, sister, barmaid and now girlfriend. Are you glad to play a character with such a lot of scope and many different roles?
"I've always tried my best to play her that way - she can be quite fiery, she can be cheeky as the barmaid, she can be flirty, she can stand up for her son and stand up for herself. So there are a lot of sides to her and I don't think she can ever just be passed off as a bit of a bimbo or just gobby. I think Emmerdale have been lovely in allowing me to show that with the scripts that they've given me. In the six months that I've been there, I've been able to show how versatile she is."
Are you glad that Alicia is right at the heart of the village by working in The Woolpack?
"Yeah, it's been brilliant for me because I've really been able to integrate into the cast by working in The Woolpack - you get to see everybody because everybody has something to do in the pub. Also, I love working in the bar - I think I'm one of the only people who loves working in there, because I've always got a job to do and I'm quite good at pulling a pint as I worked in a bar years ago. It's great to feel part of the action in the pub."
We noticed some tension between Alicia and Debbie recently…
"Oh, that's good! Yes, Alicia and Debbie is quite interesting and that tension might come back. They're definitely both fiery women but they both come from a different school of thought - Alicia thinks one way and Debbie thinks another, and they clash in the middle. Whereas Alicia and Chas are more similar and that's why they clash, I think Alicia and Debbie have completely different ways of thinking - especially when it comes to parenting."
You released an album called Return To Me in 2008 and apparently you're working on some more music at the moment?
"Yes, I'm hoping to go into the studio at some point and do some more songs. I have got some stuff already, but it's going to be a while away because I've always said that Emmerdale is completely my priority and I'd need a more free schedule to do it. At the moment, Emmerdale is my focus and even if some music did get released, it would be done quite quietly and independently. But I'm still always writing and singing because it's something that's very much a part of me. Singing is something that I have to do every day and every weekend I'll have a big sing-out, just for me! So definitely watch this space."
Do you think you'd go for a different sound this time around?
"I think it'll be a bit different to the last album, but I'm not sure yet because the songs I've done so far are quite varied - there's some poppier songs and some of them are more gospel. That's another reason why it's going to take a while, because I want to decide what to do. I just love singing all different types of material, so at the moment it's trial and error."
Finally, you've said in the past that you were quite closely involved with Alicia's wardrobe and style choices. Do you still get that input now?
"Yes, that's definitely continuing! Obviously the summer's coming up soon, so we'll have to wait and see what little beauties she's going to be wearing then! I definitely have a nice say in what she wears and where we want to take her style-wise. It's been fun - the things that she wears make me laugh so much and I get so many comments about it on Twitter. People say things like, 'As if you wore that!' and also, 'Where did you get that from?' It's really flattering. Alicia's happy - she's a little style icon!"
Emmerdale star Natalie Anderson has revealed that she would love to film a soap wedding in the future.
The actress, who plays feisty Alicia Gallagher on the ITV1 drama, confirmed that she has high hopes for her character's current romance with Andy Sugden (Kelvin Fletcher).
Speaking in an interview with Digital Spy, Anderson explained: "I think she is falling for him - she can see that he's a really good dad to Sarah, he's caring and he's affectionate. Yes, he has a past, but so has she."
She continued: "I'm really looking forward to seeing where it's going to go. I'd like a wedding for sure! A big massive dress would be brilliant. But we'll have to wait and see - this is soap at the end of the day, and it can't always be happily ever after!"
Anderson also said that she has been glad to see Alicia find love again following her failed marriage.
She said: "Kelvin Fletcher is great to work with and it's been fun to show Alicia on that journey - having her really interested in somebody after being married to Justin. It's been a lovely journey for both of them, really, and definitely fun to play."
Alicia and Andy spend the night together for the first time in next week's episodes, shortly after the barmaid has betrayed sister Leyla by stealing from her shop.
'Emmerdale's Alicia Gallagher could be left homeless after she confesses to stealing stock from her sister Leyla Harding's shop.
The shamed wannabe WAG, played by Natalie Anderson, is forced to admit that she's been selling stolen stock to a dodgy contact after Leyla (Rokhsaneh Ghawam-Shahidi) points the finger at teenage employee Amy Wyatt (Chelsea Halfpenny) in the ITV1 soap.
As Amy gets told off for thieving, Leyla's boyfriend David Metcalfe (Matthew Wolfenden) notices how guilty Alicia looks who eventually comes clean, saying she did it so she could buy gifts for her son Jacob, who is being spoiled by her ex Justin.
However, Leyla is unsympathetic and ignores her sister's pleas for forgiveness, telling her to pack her bags and get out of her house for good.
Alicia takes Jacob to stay with her boyfriend Andy Sugden (Kevin Fletcher) but is told in no uncertain terms by him that they are not welcome to stay on a permanent basis.
However, she refuses to heed his suggestion that she should go back and try asking Leyla for forgiveness again, leaving her and her son without a permanent home.
(C) BANG Media International
tammyy2j
11-04-2011, 13:54
shamed wannabe WAG
???????????
She is not a very nice person. To steal is bad enough. Then to steal from your sister who is letting you live in her house.
She is always having a go at Layla for the most little things. Layla only lets her stay, and puts up with her for Jake's sake.
Have they stated weather Alicia adopted Jake, or has Layla got parental rights. If so Alicia should change her ways.
Cannot understand why she has no money anyway. Unless she spends it all on hair dye and make up.
Emmerdale star Natalie Anderson has reflected on her character's recent troubles with Andy Sugden, admitting that the brassy brunette is secretly "heartbroken" over their split.
Last week, viewers saw Alicia Gallagher's relationship with Andy fall apart after their planned move to Spain was called off.
Andy (Kelvin Fletcher) cancelled plans to move abroad to ensure that he could fully support his young daughter Sarah, who has been struck down with a mystery illness. Alicia has since enjoyed romantic attention from love rat Carl King, played by Tom Lister.
Anderson told the Daily Star: "Alicia doesn't know the extent of what's wrong with Andy's daughter Sarah. She's got a very rare illness and is having tests, but they know it's quite serious. So Andy had to stay in Emmerdale but Alicia's mindset was that Sarah would be fine.
"Andy told her to find somebody else and she was gutted. Although she's heartbroken, she won't show that. She's quite steely. So when Carl started flirting with her, she was flattered. And considering she's fed up, she enjoys it. Alicia knows he's a snake in the grass but he's also a distraction."
She added: "I think she should get back together with Andy. They're a good match and who else would she be with in the village? But you never know in soap."
Anderson has been part of the Emmerdale cast since summer 2010.
Emmerdale star Natalie Anderson has reflected on her character's recent troubles with Andy Sugden, admitting that the brassy brunette is secretly \"heartbroken\" over their split.
Last week, viewers saw Alicia Gallagher's relationship with Andy fall apart after their planned move to Spain was called off.
Andy (Kelvin Fletcher) cancelled plans to move abroad to ensure that he could fully support his young daughter Sarah, who has been struck down with a mystery illness. Alicia has since enjoyed romantic attention from love rat Carl King, played by Tom Lister.
Anderson told the Daily Star: \"Alicia doesn't know the extent of what's wrong with Andy's daughter Sarah. She's got a very rare illness and is having tests, but they know it's quite serious. So Andy had to stay in Emmerdale but Alicia's mindset was that Sarah would be fine.
\"Andy told her to find somebody else and she was gutted. Although she's heartbroken, she won't show that. She's quite steely. So when Carl started flirting with her, she was flattered. And considering she's fed up, she enjoys it. Alicia knows he's a snake in the grass but he's also a distraction.\"
She added: \"I think she should get back together with Andy. They're a good match and who else would she be with in the village? But you never know in soap.\"
Anderson has been part of the Emmerdale cast since summer 2010.
Already posted with pictures http://www.soapboards.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?117103-Leyla-David-Alicia-Justin&p=756766#post756766
Alicia dose not think of anybody else's feeling .She is all me me me.
Andy done right, ending the relationship. Maybe now she will see how selfish she is.
If it was her son that was ill, I am sure she would put him, before going to Spain.
Emmerdale star Natalie Anderson has admitted that she wants the soap's bosses to create a wedding storyline for her character Alicia Gallagher.
Alicia recently split from farmer Andy Sugden (Kelvin Fletcher), but the pair manage to get their relationship back on track in next week's episodes.
Anderson told the Daily Star of her soap wedding dream: "I've dropped hints. But nothing so far. I'd love to see Alicia in a massive pink wedding dress."
The actress added that she still likes to wear her own wedding dress after marrying finance executive James Shepherd in 2008.
"I put it on quite often, and just stare at myself in the mirror and make sure it still fits," Anderson explained.
Emmerdale viewers will soon see Alicia supporting Andy after his young daughter Sarah is diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder.
Emmerdale star Natalie Anderson has hinted that her character Alicia Gallagher could reach breaking point at Christmas as the soap's saviour sibling storyline continues.
Alicia's partner Andy Sugden (Kelvin Fletcher) recently agreed to have another baby with his ex Debbie Dingle (Charley Webb) in order to save their young daughter Sarah, who needs a bone marrow match as she is seriously ill.
Andy and Debbie's hopes of securing IVF treatment were shattered last week, meaning that Alicia has more troubled times ahead in the coming weeks as the pair consider other options.
Anderson told the Daily Star Sunday of the storyline's future: "Alicia wants to be supportive but her emotions get in the way. She is infertile and it is hard for her to come to terms with her boyfriend having a baby with someone else.
"She understands how ill Sarah is, but there's going to be a point where she will lose control - and by Christmas she's going to have to make a huge decision."
Anderson added that she is thrilled Alicia will be sticking around in Emmerdale as her current contract runs until late 2012, when the soap turns 40.
"I absolutely love it," she said. "To be part of the anniversary is very exciting."
Emmerdale star Natalie Anderson has announced that she is pregnant with her first child.
The actress, who has played barmaid Alicia Gallagher in the ITV1 soap since August 2010, told Hello magazine that she and husband James Shepherd were "so happy" to discover that they would become parents in August.
"We've not been going to many functions and I've been disguising it quite a lot," Anderson said, explaining that her bump would be hidden on screen before she goes on maternity leave.
"I think there'll be a lot of standing around the bar and carrying huge handbags," she joked.
While recalling her first scan, Anderson admitted that the couple will find out the sex of their unborn child at the follow-up, saying: 'I cried and James had a tear in his eye. It was incredible to see the tiny hands and feet, the face and this little thing dancing away.
"We want to know who we're talking to, so we can have nice little conversations."
Speaking about her late grandfather, who died last year, the West End star - nominated for 'Sexiest Female' at the British Soap Awards - said that he had been an inspiration to her.
"If I'm feeling nervous about the baby, anxious that things will be all right, I feel him around me," Anderson added. "It's a lovely feeling, as though I have someone watching over me."
Natalie Anderson has revealed that she is expecting a baby boy.
The Emmerdale actress, who has played barmaid Alicia Gallagher in the ITV1 soap since August 2010, said that she and husband James Shepherd were very "excited" to discover their unborn child's gender.
Anderson told Hello magazine: "We are thrilled to tell you we are expecting a little boy! We are both so excited."
When the star first revealed her pregnancy, she said that she and Shepherd were "so happy" about the news but added that she had been struggling with "disguising" her growing bump.
While recalling her first scan, Anderson revealed: 'I cried and James had a tear in his eye. It was incredible to see the tiny hands and feet, the face and this little thing dancing away."
She also revealed that she feels like her late grandfather, who died last year, is "watching over" her during the pregnancy, adding: "If I'm feeling nervous about the baby, anxious that things will be all right, I feel him around me. It's a lovely feeling."
Emmerdale star Natalie Anderson has praised her upcoming exit plot.
The actress is due to give birth to her first child in August, meaning that her character Alicia Gallagher will have to take a break from the village.
Alicia's feelings for David Metcalfe (Matthew Wolfenden) are expected to grow over the coming weeks in the build-up to her departure.
Anderson, who is married to partner James Shepherd, told the Daily Star: "We found out a little while ago that we're having a boy, but we haven't come up with any names yet. We want to wait and see what he looks like.
"I've been watching One Born Every Minute. I'm obsessed with it, but it's really starting to freak me out!"
She added: "I'm really pleased with the exit they've come up with in Emmerdale. All I can say is that it involves David."
Anderson joined Emmerdale in summer 2010.
Emmerdale star Natalie Anderson plans to return to the soap by the end of the year.
The actress, who plays Alicia Gallagher in the ITV1 soap, announced her pregnancy in March and later confirmed that she is expecting a boy.
Alicia punches Val Pollard (Charlie Hardwick) in an upcoming episode after her opportunity to confess her love to David Metcalfe (Matthew Wolfenden) is dashed. It is later revealed that Alicia has broken the terms of a previous suspended sentence and will go to jail.
Anderson told the Sunday Mail: "I really thought they would say, 'She's gone off in a taxi to see her sister', something really normal, and that would be that. Then this elaborate story came about with a previous conviction and I was going, 'Thank you'. I just thought it was brilliant.
"I felt privileged they had thought of it that way. The producers have been amazing in the fact they have said I can take as long as I want to. I am not under any pressure. Personally, I love my job, and I am thinking maybe I want to come back towards the back end of the year.
"My husband works from home so the baby will only be with his dad. But obviously it is not set in stone yet, because my feelings could well completely change."
The singer-songwriter added: "First and foremost my priorities are my baby, then Emmerdale. Whatever they need me for I'm there, absolutely. I have an album worth of material I wanted to put out earlier this year but priorities change when you get pregnant."
Emmerdale's Alicia Gallagher is left distraught this evening (May 29) as she hears that she is likely to face a prison sentence.
As Alicia (Natalie Anderson) heads to court to give a plea after hitting Val, the proceedings are more complicated than expected due to the barmaid's history.
Although she is granted bail, Alicia is forced to make a shocking confession to David (Matthew Wolfenden) outside court, explaining that she has a previous conviction for GBH after assaulting one of her mum's carers when she was still alive.
Alicia hopes this won't mean a harsher punishment when the case reaches crown court, but her solicitor has a bleak warning - the most likely outcome is a stint in jail...
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Emmerdale airs tonight at 7pm on ITV1.
Emmerdale star Matthew Wolfenden has confirmed that there is a sham wedding on the way for his character David Metcalfe and Woolpack barmaid Alicia Gallagher.
David comes up with the scam later this month, as Alicia wants to make sure that young Jacob will live with him rather than his dad Justin when she is sent to jail.
Alicia quickly agrees to the idea, but is conflicted as she continues to harbour genuine feelings for David.
Wolfenden told All About Soap: "It happens when they're sat together drinking wine one evening. Alicia's broken down in tears, talking about how Jacob is going to have to live with his father and his new stepmum, who he hates. Then she says it's unfair that, just because Justin's married, it's taken for granted he can provide a better home for Jacob.
"Something is triggered in David's head, so that's when he decides in a bit of a drunken stupor to say, 'Why don't we get married then?'"
He continued: "[Alicia's] shocked, mostly because she's actually totally in love with David and he, as dopey as he is, is completely blind to it and doesn't see this gorgeous girl has fallen for him. He just sees her as his mate and the truth is, he's not proposing for Alicia - he's doing it to keep custody of the little lad."
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© ITV
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© ITV
Wolfenden added that Justin later backs down in the custody wrangle. However, Alicia fails to share this crucial piece of information with David as she still wants to marry him.
He confirmed: "There's an extra twist because Alicia finds out David could have custody of Jacob anyway, because Justin backs down, but she still goes ahead and marries him regardless. That all comes out, as does the fact she loves him - it's all going to be revealed!"
Natalie Anderson, who plays Alicia, will soon leave screens temporarily as she has gone on maternity leave.
tammyy2j
06-06-2012, 16:21
It seems to me that Alicia wants David to keep Jacob so she has a hold over him and can stay with him again when she gets out of jail as she loves David she wants a be tied to him she really should be doing what is best for Jacob which surely is to live with his dad
she really should be doing what is best for Jacob which surely is to live with his dad
agreed, but that said Justin is a crrepy toad. As soon as Alicia mentions the Court case/prison etc he is straight in there almost using it as a points scoring exercise and a reason to have Jacob full time?
the bestthing for Jacob would be told about the prison issue, stay where he is with friends and school etc until it happens, and then go to Justin/David, whcihever can give him a stable enviroment with continuity?
Justin was all for packing his bags there and then??!!
Pregnant Emmerdale star Natalie Anderson has spoken of her obsession with maternity ward reality show One Born Every Minute.
The actress, who plays the feisty Alicia Gallagher on the soap and announced in March that she is expecting a son, told the Daily Mirror that she watches the Channel 4 documentary series in order to relax.
She claims: "At night if I'm getting a bit anxious, [my husband'll] say, 'Go and have a bath... and get your iPad and watch One Born Every Minute and you'll be fine'.
"I'm obsessed with it, because I want to prepare myself. It does scare me a bit, but it doesn't put me off childbirth.
"If anything, it's done me the world of good and made me more empowered. I'm actually really looking forward to having the baby now."
Pregnancy will mean the 30-year-old actress will be written out of Emmerdale for up to a year, with viewers set to see her leave the soap in a cliffhanger next month.
A recent episode saw Alicia lose her temper and punch Val Pollard in the face, resulting in her being taken away by police.
However, due to a previous assault conviction, there is the possibility she could face jail time, something that could have dire repercussions for her relationships with her son and best friend David.
Emmerdale's Natalie Anderson has admitted that filming a love plot with Alicia left her tearful.
The actress, who is pregnant in real life with her first child, said her hormones have made her emotional about her character's heartbreak over David.
David proposed to Alicia earlier this month in an attempt to help her keep her child Jacob. She goes ahead with the scam wedding next week, despite her knowledge that ex Justin is not fighting for custody.
Speaking to Inside Soap, Anderson conceded: "It made me cry! As a viewer, I think you're going to see all the happiness and then all the heartbreak play out."
On the eve of the ceremony, David vows to a hurt Alicia that they will divorce swiftly.
The star added of the wedding aftermath: "She's really heartbroken. She just says, 'Get me a drink!' That comment brings Alicia straight back down to earth.
"She'd love the fairytale that's going on in her head to be real, but that's not going to happen."
tammyy2j
01-08-2012, 15:23
Emmerdale star Natalie Anderson has welcomed the arrival of her first child.
The actress, best known for her soap role as Alicia Gallagher, gave birth to a baby boy in the early hours of this morning (August 1).
Anderson and husband James Shepherd have not yet named the child, who weighed in at 6lb 5oz, Hello reports.
The Emmerdale press team tweeted: "Lovely baby news! @AndersonNatalie has given birth to a gorgeous boy! Congratulations Natalie and James."
Anderson announced her pregnancy back in March, before confirming the sex of her baby a few days later.
Emmerdale viewers recently saw Alicia receive a prison sentence for attacking Val Pollard, taking her off screen while Anderson is on maternity leave.
The feisty barmaid is expected to return to the village by the end of the year.
Natalie Anderson has revealed the name of her baby boy.
The Emmerdale star confirmed that she has named her son Freddie George James Shepherd.
The actress gave birth to her first child with husband James Shepherd on Wednesday (August 1).
"We have a beautiful baby boy born this morning and we are all doing really well," she told Hello.
Talking about how they hope to raise their first child together, she said: "The most important thing for both of us as parents will be making sure our child feels loved.
"We think it is important to be strict - not in a horrible way, but strict with ourselves, too, in that we don't spoil our child."
Anderson explained that she plans on returning to Emmerdale as feisty barmaid Alicia Gallagher in the near future, while her husband will continue to work from home as a financial services consultant.
She said that the arrangement was so that he could spend more time with his wife, but added: "We also thought that, when we had a family, it'd be great to always have a parent at home."
Natalie Anderson has revealed the name of her baby boy.
The Emmerdale star confirmed that she has named her son Freddie George James Shepherd.
The actress gave birth to her first child with husband James Shepherd on Wednesday (August 1).
"We have a beautiful baby boy born this morning and we are all doing really well," she told Hello.
Talking about how they hope to raise their first child together, she said: "The most important thing for both of us as parents will be making sure our child feels loved.
"We think it is important to be strict - not in a horrible way, but strict with ourselves, too, in that we don't spoil our child."
Anderson explained that she plans on returning to Emmerdale as feisty barmaid Alicia Gallagher in the near future, while her husband will continue to work from home as a financial services consultant.
She said that the arrangement was so that he could spend more time with his wife, but added: "We also thought that, when we had a family, it'd be great to always have a parent at home."
Emmerdale star Natalie Anderson has confirmed that her character Alicia Gallagher will be back on screen before Christmas.
The actress returned to filming last month after being on maternity leave. She gave birth to a baby boy named Freddie at the beginning of August.
Writing on Twitter today (November 13), Anderson revealed that Alicia's return scenes will air in the middle of December.
She told fans: "I am STILL ill!! Go away cold.
"For those asking, Alicia will be back on screen mid dec....minus the cold hopefully!! Let's see what David's been up to."
Alicia's temporary exit storyline saw her jailed for slapping Val Pollard. To make matters worse, she was heartbroken after realising that David had no romantic feelings for her following their sham wedding.
In Alicia's absence, David has been dating Priya Sharma (Fiona Wade) - and actor Matthew Wolfenden, who plays the shopkeeper, has predicted that a catfight could be on the cards in the love triangle plot.
Chloe O'brien
18-11-2012, 01:50
I think David and Alicia would be good together but if not I don't mind just get rid of Priya she's awful.
Emmerdale welcomes Alicia Gallagher back to the village later this month as she is finally released from prison.
Alicia is delighted to be home to spend Christmas with Jacob, but also feels slightly awkward as she continues to wrestle with her feelings for David Metcalfe (Matthew Wolfenden) following their sham wedding in the summer.
Here, Natalie Anderson - who plays Alicia - reveals the gossip on her character's return.
What can you tell us about Alicia's first scene back in the village?
"It's really lovely. She manages to get to Jacob's nativity, which is being held at the pub. Unbeknownst to anybody else, Alicia manages to get there and Jacob is the first person who sees her. So that's how we first see Alicia - through Jacob's eyes, which is really sweet. I actually cried when I read it, because I'm a mum myself now."
How does Alicia feel about being home?
"Alicia is absolutely thrilled. She's so over the moon to see her little boy more than anything. You'll see that she's a bit nervous around David, because of the way she left it with him and how she asked him not to come and see her in prison.
"Apart from that, though, she's absolutely overjoyed to be back - especially for Christmas. Alicia is such a proper mum, so Christmas is a massive deal for her and Jake."
Have Alicia's feelings for David changed?
"No, I think they've increased! That's what's really, really awful - being away from David has made Alicia miss him even more. Even though she's trying to fight those feelings and is very awkward with him, I definitely think her feelings for him are stronger."
Do we get an idea of what Alicia's time behind bars was like?
"There's one line where Alicia says to Priya that it was really hard, but then she doesn't really talk very much about it. Because she's keeping quite quiet about it, you don't really get an idea of just how hard it was.
"But I think the viewers will see that Alicia is a bit softer when she arrives back. She's not quite so 'all guns blazing' and hard. Alicia is really thrilled to be home and she's in her own world. I think you get a sense that she's missed home so badly that it's taught her a lesson - she needs to keep her temper!"
Does Alicia have any inkling that something might be going on between David and Priya?
"None at all! She's absolutely got no idea. In fact, Alicia is really grateful to Priya, who is being really nice to her. Alicia thinks, 'What a lovely girl - she could be my friend!' The reason Alicia is so unaware is that David does a really good job of trying not to hurt her. He's quite tactful with what he does, so she's none the wiser at all."
There comes a point where Alicia suggests a divorce to David. Why is that?
"Alicia suggests a divorce because Pollard drops a couple of hints that David has kept his side of the bargain, so surely it's time for Alicia to keeps hers. Obviously Pollard does know about David and Priya, so he's trying to do David a favour by getting Alicia to do the right thing.
"If Alicia had her way, she wouldn't suggest the divorce at all, but she does feel guilty and realises that Pollard is right. However, David reacts in such a way that leads Alicia to believe that there could be some hope for them. David says, 'Oh there's no rush for the divorce, I can see it's upsetting you so don't worry about it. Let's just get through Christmas first'.
"That leaves Alicia thinking that David does have feelings for her, and that it could be the fairytale ending that she wanted it to be."
How would Alicia react to the truth about David and Priya?
"I think the audience will expect Alicia to be all guns blazing, but Alicia truly loves David - he's probably the love of her life. I think Alicia would always see the situation from David's point of view and she would never want to hurt him. So I think she will react quite differently to how the audience expect."
Do you think there's any hope for Alicia and David?
"In the future, I'd like to think so. I'd love to see them together most definitely, but who knows how it's going to go? It's just really about David and how he feels. It would be fantastic, partly because I love working with Matthew anyway. But I also think, as a viewer, I'd want those two together. It's like a romcom where you're desperate for a couple to end up together."
How does it feel to be back on set after maternity leave?
"It's really lovely on the one hand, as I've missed my friends desperately. But I'm a bit nervy as well, because I'm away from my son Freddie. I know he's in the most amazing hands because my husband James is a fantastic dad. I think all new mums feel the same way when they go back to work, it's a bit unnerving."
Did you feel slightly rusty when it came to playing Alicia again?
"Weirdly I thought I would really struggle to play Alicia after spending so much time at home being myself. I've got a lovely life, while Alicia's got quite a mental life! I wondered whether it would be really hard, but once I got that make-up and costume on, I fell back into it really well."
Did you watch the show while you were away?
"Yes, most definitely! As I've always said, I'm the biggest Emmerdale fan. Whether I'm in the show or not in the show, it's something I've grown up with and I'll always watch it. With the live episode and all the big stories that have been going on, I've been really hooked and wanting to tune in every night, just like the average viewer."
What's coming up for Alicia in the New Year?
"Possible heartbreak, but also possible new beginnings I think. There are new horizons and we might see a new Alicia next year. There's the possibility of a new job and I think she wants to stand on her own two feet and look after her little boy as a single mum, without having to rely on anybody else.
"In doing that, it may well make Alicia much stronger and more self-assured, but we'll have to wait and see!"
Emmerdale welcomes Alicia Gallagher back to the village later this month as she is finally released from prison.
Alicia is delighted to be home to spend Christmas with Jacob, but also feels slightly awkward as she continues to wrestle with her feelings for David Metcalfe (Matthew Wolfenden) following their sham wedding in the summer.
Here, Natalie Anderson - who plays Alicia - reveals the gossip on her character's return.
What can you tell us about Alicia's first scene back in the village?
"It's really lovely. She manages to get to Jacob's nativity, which is being held at the pub. Unbeknownst to anybody else, Alicia manages to get there and Jacob is the first person who sees her. So that's how we first see Alicia - through Jacob's eyes, which is really sweet. I actually cried when I read it, because I'm a mum myself now."
How does Alicia feel about being home?
"Alicia is absolutely thrilled. She's so over the moon to see her little boy more than anything. You'll see that she's a bit nervous around David, because of the way she left it with him and how she asked him not to come and see her in prison.
"Apart from that, though, she's absolutely overjoyed to be back - especially for Christmas. Alicia is such a proper mum, so Christmas is a massive deal for her and Jake."
Have Alicia's feelings for David changed?
"No, I think they've increased! That's what's really, really awful - being away from David has made Alicia miss him even more. Even though she's trying to fight those feelings and is very awkward with him, I definitely think her feelings for him are stronger."
Do we get an idea of what Alicia's time behind bars was like?
"There's one line where Alicia says to Priya that it was really hard, but then she doesn't really talk very much about it. Because she's keeping quite quiet about it, you don't really get an idea of just how hard it was.
"But I think the viewers will see that Alicia is a bit softer when she arrives back. She's not quite so 'all guns blazing' and hard. Alicia is really thrilled to be home and she's in her own world. I think you get a sense that she's missed home so badly that it's taught her a lesson - she needs to keep her temper!"
Does Alicia have any inkling that something might be going on between David and Priya?
"None at all! She's absolutely got no idea. In fact, Alicia is really grateful to Priya, who is being really nice to her. Alicia thinks, 'What a lovely girl - she could be my friend!' The reason Alicia is so unaware is that David does a really good job of trying not to hurt her. He's quite tactful with what he does, so she's none the wiser at all."
There comes a point where Alicia suggests a divorce to David. Why is that?
"Alicia suggests a divorce because Pollard drops a couple of hints that David has kept his side of the bargain, so surely it's time for Alicia to keeps hers. Obviously Pollard does know about David and Priya, so he's trying to do David a favour by getting Alicia to do the right thing.
"If Alicia had her way, she wouldn't suggest the divorce at all, but she does feel guilty and realises that Pollard is right. However, David reacts in such a way that leads Alicia to believe that there could be some hope for them. David says, 'Oh there's no rush for the divorce, I can see it's upsetting you so don't worry about it. Let's just get through Christmas first'.
"That leaves Alicia thinking that David does have feelings for her, and that it could be the fairytale ending that she wanted it to be."
How would Alicia react to the truth about David and Priya?
"I think the audience will expect Alicia to be all guns blazing, but Alicia truly loves David - he's probably the love of her life. I think Alicia would always see the situation from David's point of view and she would never want to hurt him. So I think she will react quite differently to how the audience expect."
Do you think there's any hope for Alicia and David?
"In the future, I'd like to think so. I'd love to see them together most definitely, but who knows how it's going to go? It's just really about David and how he feels. It would be fantastic, partly because I love working with Matthew anyway. But I also think, as a viewer, I'd want those two together. It's like a romcom where you're desperate for a couple to end up together."
How does it feel to be back on set after maternity leave?
"It's really lovely on the one hand, as I've missed my friends desperately. But I'm a bit nervy as well, because I'm away from my son Freddie. I know he's in the most amazing hands because my husband James is a fantastic dad. I think all new mums feel the same way when they go back to work, it's a bit unnerving."
Did you feel slightly rusty when it came to playing Alicia again?
"Weirdly I thought I would really struggle to play Alicia after spending so much time at home being myself. I've got a lovely life, while Alicia's got quite a mental life! I wondered whether it would be really hard, but once I got that make-up and costume on, I fell back into it really well."
Did you watch the show while you were away?
"Yes, most definitely! As I've always said, I'm the biggest Emmerdale fan. Whether I'm in the show or not in the show, it's something I've grown up with and I'll always watch it. With the live episode and all the big stories that have been going on, I've been really hooked and wanting to tune in every night, just like the average viewer."
What's coming up for Alicia in the New Year?
"Possible heartbreak, but also possible new beginnings I think. There are new horizons and we might see a new Alicia next year. There's the possibility of a new job and I think she wants to stand on her own two feet and look after her little boy as a single mum, without having to rely on anybody else.
"In doing that, it may well make Alicia much stronger and more self-assured, but we'll have to wait and see!"
Emmerdale star Natalie Anderson has revealed that her character Alicia Gallagher won't be doing the chasing in her new romance storyline.
Former series producer Stuart Blackburn recently tipped Alicia to find a new man, giving her a chance of happiness after being rejected by David Metcalfe (Matthew Wolfenden).
Speaking to OK magazine, Anderson declined to confirm the identity of the guy in question, but said that he will be keen to woo Alicia in upcoming episodes.
Anderson said: "[It's] someone in the village, and I can't say who! But she is pursued by this person - in a very nice way.
"She's not sure about her feelings, but the attention is nice, and of course it will be fascinating to see how David reacts to that!"
The actress also promised that viewers can expect Alicia to look more "classy" as she settles into her new job at Home Farm.
Anderson commented: "She goes to Scotland on a business trip and when she gets back she has a new energy and a slightly new look, with a bit of red lipstick. Before now, everything's been a bit orange!
"This new look's a little bit classier, as she's slightly going up in the world. It's still Alicia, of course, but in a business environment, so you'll still get her in tight dresses, but not quite as short, and not quite as low!"
Emmerdale airs weekdays at 7pm on ITV, with an extra episode at 8pm on Thursdays.
katie hunter
02-02-2013, 20:32
I wonder who it could be? Dom maybe?
Chloe O'brien
02-02-2013, 21:12
I think it may be Declan, with his marriage to Katie on the rocks. Declan and Alicia had a fling when she first arrived in the villiage. He really is the only guy that David would be jealous over.
I think it may be Declan, with his marriage to Katie on the rocks. Declan and Alicia had a fling when she first arrived in the villiage. He really is the only guy that David would be jealous over.
i'd say maybe thomas or robbie but they are very young
I think it may be Declan, with his marriage to Katie on the rocks. Declan and Alicia had a fling when she first arrived in the villiage. He really is the only guy that David would be jealous over.
i'd say maybe thomas or robbie but they are very young
Emmerdale's Alicia Gallagher faces a challenging situation next week as she finds herself planning David Metcalfe and Priya Sharma's upcoming wedding.
The latest twist in the trio's love triangle storyline takes place as Alicia returns from her business trip in Scotland and discovers that David (Matthew Wolfenden) and Priya (Fiona Wade) are considering booking their ceremony at Home Farm.
Keen to keep her new job as Home Farm's events manager, Alicia decides to keep things strictly professional and throws herself into the task at hand. But is the wedding what David really wants?
Here, Natalie Anderson - who plays Alicia - reveals her thoughts on the new developments in the storyline.
Is Alicia feeling any better about the David situation now?
"I think she is, because Alicia obviously has no idea about the context in which David proposed to Priya. As far as Alicia is concerned, David loves Priya and they're getting married - so that means she has to sort her head out and move on.
"When Alicia comes back from Scotland, she's very much in that mindset. She's ready to sort herself out, focus on Jake and do well with her new career. Alicia now wants to put a stone over her feelings for David."
Does it hurt Alicia when she hears that Priya is moving in with David?
"There's definitely a sting and it does hurt her a bit, but this was inevitable and a natural step for David and Priya's relationship. It was going to happen sooner or later, and those two can do whatever they want in their relationship now. Although it tugs at Alicia's heart slightly, she understands the reasons for it."
Doesn't Alicia have any inkling that David is being rushed into marriage with Priya?
"Not really. This is David that we're talking about, and he's proposed to both Leyla and Alicia in the past! As far as Alicia is concerned, David is a person who really wants to get settled and have a family. She thinks that David would want to move things quickly with Priya, especially now that he's sorted out the situation with Alicia. At this moment in time, she thinks that he's okay with everything."
How does Alicia end up planning the wedding for Priya and David?
"This is when Alicia is a little bit hurt. She comes back from Scotland with this fresh energy and she's raring to go, as she's really excited about her job. But then the first people that Alicia has to see as a wedding planner are David and Priya. Her first thought is, 'Come on - David knows I work here!' She thinks David could have been a little bit more sensitive - of all the places to go for the wedding, why here? As her best friend, David could be showing a bit more tact.
"At the same time, though, Alicia is incredibly professional. Nicola gives her a pep talk and says that it's Alicia's chance to show David and Priya that they've not broken her. It's also a good opportunity to show Megan that she can do her job well. Alicia takes that chance and really goes for it. She gives them the hard sell."
Isn't there even a second where she considers walking away from the job?
"Not at all! For Alicia, ultimately there is one man in her life and that is Jacob. That will always be the case and her mindset is that she needs to provide for her son. Nobody will come between Alicia and doing that, so in this situation, she will be very professional and try her best to show that she was the best person for the job. To walk away would be a waste of a good opportunity for her and Jake."
How does the meeting go between Alicia David, Priya and the other Sharmas?
"Because Alicia is so professional, she actually impresses Georgia and Rishi. Even Priya is slightly won round. Georgia forces the idea of a divorce on David and Alicia, and Alicia deals with that in a very dignified way. Alicia says, 'Yes, of course, I'll get onto that'. Priya is over the moon that there's no fuss and David will be free."
Why does Alicia later change her plan from a divorce to an annulment?
"Because if it all goes to plan, it can be sorted within six months, whereas with a divorce, it would take a year. Alicia thinks she can sort it as quickly as possible, and essentially get David and Priya out of her life. She's moving things along for herself to set herself free. Alicia is looking for closure."
Is David pleased with this?
"Well, this is the first inkling Alicia gets that David is not exactly jumping at the chance to end their marriage. He holds her back and says, 'Are you okay about all this?'
"When Alicia brings it up again in another episode and explains what's going to happen, he's very shocked by it and he doesn't thank her for doing it. David seems very hesitant and it's the first suspicion Alicia gets that his behaviour is a bit weird."
Amid all this drama, is Alicia happy to see David and Jacob getting closer again?
"I think Alicia is definitely happy about that. She's happy more so for Jacob, because it's his welfare that she's worried about. Jacob seems happier when he's getting along with David, so she's pleased to see his spark returning."
Alicia and Jacob also end up sharing a meal with David and Priya at the B&B on Valentine's Day, don't they?
"Yes - Jacob and Alicia have gone out for a lovely little Valentine's Day meal there, which I thought was really sweet! When David and Priya come in and there's no room for them, it's Jacob who invites them over to the table. Alicia goes with it even though it's the last thing she wants.
"Once again, Alicia is trying to rise above the situation and be professional. She's throwing herself into the wedding plans in quite an overzealous way, because she wants it to be over so they can all move on."
Is Priya still nice to Alicia when they're discussing the wedding plans?
"Well, you'll see that Priya's insecurities start coming out and she keeps shooting Alicia down. Priya says that one of Alicia's ideas is 'so ten years ago', and she also points out that she wants Alicia well in the background at the wedding. But it's a good lesson for Alicia. After being in prison, she wants to prove to herself that she can change by keeping control of her temper."
Is this a new chapter for Alicia?
"Definitely! I think we'll obviously never lose the old Alicia - she could still end up having a brawl in the street at any point! But at the end of the day, she's trying to provide for her little boy and stay calm."
Does Alicia's style change too?
"Yeah, Alicia is trying to find out a bit more about who she is - it's a new state of mind for her. She's always relied on a man in her life, with Justin, Andy and David. Now she's reassessing various things in her life and shedding her skin a little bit. There are changes in her style and her hair, so you'll have to see how she can still be Alicia in this new environment."
With talk of a new romance for Alicia, who might her new man be?
"Well, it's obviously someone in the village who's single! Alicia won't be having an affair with anyone, which I'm really pleased about. It's something that will hopefully be quite lovely and nice to watch, because it's someone who will genuinely care about Alicia. I'm happy that it's a normal relationship that will progress, as it starts off as a friendship."
Are you friendlier with Fiona Wade in real life than you are on screen?
"Yeah, we do have a real laugh together. Fiona is very different to Priya, in the same way that I'd consider myself to be very different to Alicia. We're both very 'girly girls' and I'm sure we drive Matthew mental because we talk about shoes, babies and boys!"
Are you still confident that David is the right man for Alicia after everything that's happened?
"I definitely am, because I think they're quite similar people. They've got the same sense of humour and are both quite family-orientated. They would like to be comfortable and they like the simple things in life, such as going out for a meal or watching a DVD. They're a great 'triple act' with Jacob and they have a great rapport as a family.
"I'm very much 'Team Alicia' in the sense that I would ultimately like to see her with David. They're great friends and that's what a relationship should be based on. Going back to when Alicia first arrived and the truth about Jacob was revealed, David was really on Alicia's side. Later when Leyla left, Alicia was there for David.
"Those two characters have discovered a lot about each other and they know each other really well. Alicia can read David very well, and that's why she starts to see that he's not 100% sure about this wedding…
Emmerdale airs more twists and turns in the Alicia and David saga over the next fortnight as both characters seem unsure about what they really want.
The pair share a kiss this Friday (May 10) after confessing their feelings for each other. However, their union doesn't last for long as Alicia soon discovers that David (Matthew Wolfenden) is only pursuing her because Priya Sharma has dumped him.
Feeling heartbroken all over again, Alicia isn't sure what to do next, especially as Dominic Andrews (Wil Johnson) is also showing an interest in her. Needing to make a choice between the two men, what will Alicia decide?
Here, Natalie Anderson - who plays Alicia - teases her character's big romantic dilemma.
How does Alicia feel after she has shared a kiss with David?
"Immediately after the kiss, Alicia is beyond thrilled. She's so happy in that couple of seconds and thinks that everything has slotted into place.
"However, when David tells Alicia that Priya was the one who dumped him, she is completely devastated and feels so used. Alicia thinks that David has abused her feelings, knowing everything she's been through with him since Christmas. She shouts at him and sends him away."
Does Alicia feel second best?
"Well, when David tells Alicia how he feels about her, it makes sense as she's had an inkling for a while that something is not quite right with him. This means that she knows there is some weight to what David is saying, but she's hurt by the way that it's come about.
"Alicia knows that David didn't stand up and tell Priya the truth. Instead, it's happened in a pretty roundabout way and it wasn't David who made the first move by dumping Priya. So it's not so much that Alicia feels second best, it's more that she thinks David should have fought for her, rather than Priya just letting him off the hook."
Would Alicia be happy to steal David from Priya?
"Alicia wouldn't do that, definitely not. Whether she liked Priya or not, it's not her thing and not what she's about. Even though she's feisty, she's got good morals. Also, Alicia doesn't hate Priya at all. Priya annoys Alicia in the way that she's so selfish, but Alicia can see that she's childlike and immature.
"When it comes to Alicia's kiss with David, he has split from Priya by that point. However, it is still stepping on Priya's toes a little bit because it's been so immediate.
"The kiss is actually such a big moment for Alicia and David. They've never had a proper kiss before. This is the first time that they've both been complicit in the kiss and it's not been a pretend one."
Can Alicia see herself with David at this point?
"In the aftermath of the kiss, Alicia throws herself into being a bit more focused on Dom. However, at the back of her mind, she now knows how David feels and sees herself getting with him in the long-run."
What does Alicia make of Dom?
"She likes him and thinks he's a nice guy. He's a good dad and very gentlemanly. Dom is also very persistent, but more than anything, I'd say they're two friends who have got children so they've got common interests.
"I don't think there's any love there, but there's a respect between them. Dom seems like quite a stable, secure guy and quite grown up. When you compare him to David who's quite indecisive and has some growing up to do, Dom seems like a safer bet.
"I'm not sure whether Alicia does see herself getting with Dom, though. They have a lot of common ground and would probably be very good friends."
After the row with David, Alicia has a bit of confusion over some flowers…
"Yes, she gets flowers from 'D' and assumes that they're from David. Alicia is annoyed by this, because she'd rather he came over to explain himself in person. She'd rather they had a big row which ends up in a big kiss - she wants a bit of drama and a bit of romance about it all! When she gets flowers, she's shocked that this is all she's worth to David.
"In the end, it turns out that the flowers aren't even from David! In Alicia's head, this is typical. When she realises they're from Dom, she decides to give this guy a chance. There's a bit of growing up to do with David, while Dom is making the effort to woo her. She's going to go for the guy who's prepared to be decisive and look after her."
How does Alicia feel when Dom invites her out on a date and tells her to wear trainers?
"She's not impressed! Alicia just thinks that Dom doesn't know her at all, and she fears he's taking her to the gym! She thinks Dom hasn't got a clue about her, but then her friends convince her to give him a chance.
"The date idea is really cool in the end. It's a supercar track day and Dom takes her driving Ferraris, which she really loves."
However, it turns out that David gave Dom the idea for the date…
"Yes, and when Alicia finds this out, it really makes her think all the more that David knows her the best. It's what makes her soften towards David again. Even though Dom was the one who took her out, it was David's idea.
"David has remembered a conversation with Alicia where she mentioned wanting to do this. Alicia can't even remember telling him that, so she's shocked that he remembered. It cements the fact that she should be with David, but she keeps changing her mind."
What happens next?
"Alicia is mulling a lot of different things over at this moment in time. Katie suggests making a list of pros and cons for David and Dom to compare them. The pros for David are that he is Alicia's best friend so knows her implicitly, Jake absolutely adores him, and she absolutely adores him too. Cons are that he's indecisive, quite clumsy, can't take his drink and wears wedding dresses!
"Pros for Dom are that he's a good dad, he's kind and he's very gentlemanly as well. There's only one con - he's just not David!"
Does Alicia make a decision in the end?
"Yes, Alicia decides that she needs to follow her heart, and she tells Katie that she's off to get her man! I can't give too much away about what happens next, but as Natalie, I'd love for her to choose David - as I've said repeatedly!
"The Emmerdale fans feel the same way too. I think they must assume I have some kind of power, as they keep telling me, 'You need to be with David!' I just say that I can only pass on their comments, as I'm not on the writing team! Even my grandmother said recently, 'I'm sick of everyone talking to me about Alicia and David and asking me when they're going to get together!'"
What kind of a wedding would Alicia and David have if they went the distance?
"It'd be their third 'wedding', so it could just be a registry office ceremony with pizza and beers afterwards. Or maybe Alicia would go completely the other way and have a perfect romantic wedding - everything she's ever wanted. Sneakily, I think the first idea is probably best for David and Alicia!"
Emmerdale airs Alicia's decision on Friday, May 17 at 7pm on ITV
walsh2509
10-05-2013, 19:23
Dear god , you would get a better class of acting if you put a monkey in david's place , all that eeh errmm ooh eeh
does lachlan attack alicia?
tammyy2j
26-02-2015, 22:26
Emmerdale launched a dark storyline in Thursday night's hour-long episode (February 26) as Alicia Metcalfe was sexually assaulted by teenager Lachlan White.
Lachlan (Thomas Atkinson) had developed an unhealthy fixation on Alicia (Natalie Anderson) in recent weeks, but he took his obsession a horrifying step further when Alicia fell asleep on the couch at home while he was paying a visit.
With Alicia clearly traumatised by what happened, future episodes will explore the aftermath for the Metcalfes and the Whites as each member of both families is affected.
Here, Emmerdale's producer Kate Oates offers some extra insight on the storyline and where it goes from here.
Why did you want to do this storyline?
"It initially came from a conversation that I had with Natalie ages ago. She talked about how the way people may look at Alicia because of the way she dresses conflicts with her almost chaste moral compass. Alicia is someone who has been very devoted to David and she wasn't flighty in relationships even before she got married. That got me thinking a little bit.
"Some other things also influenced the idea as it grew. First of all, a documentary that I saw about how young people today are affected by what they see online and particularly teenage use of porn. I thought that was a really interesting subject and something that soap hadn't touched before.
"There's also a podcast called This American Life and I listened to a really fascinating one about a woman whose child really struggled with empathy. She was just at her wits' ends about what to do with him.
"When all of these things started colliding in my head, I thought that it could potentially be a really layered story where we could explore different kinds of themes about assault and how young people's mindsets are affected by the environment that they're in. We'll also see how families deal with it on both sides - the perpetrator's family and the survivor's family."
We've seen that Lachlan has been looking at very explicit content online. Can you tell us more about this aspect of the storyline?
"I don't think it's something that's been covered on soap, and yet it's something that is just all over the place. I don't know how my friends who have kids sleep at night - what's out there is really worrying.
"For girls and boys, the expectations on teenagers now are terrifying. They can be in positions where they've never had relationships themselves, but they've seen lots of people have sex on the internet and that has completely shaped the way they approach relationships, each other and the way they feel they should behave.
"I found that really fascinating and I wanted to talk about it on a forum like this, because Emmerdale does have a great reach and I think it is important to open that dialogue up."
Was it difficult to get the tone right in the show's early timeslot?
"It's obviously a challenging thing to explore at 7pm, so it certainly wasn't an easy thing to do but I'm glad that we've been able to approach it. We talked initially about whether Alicia would be raped. We discussed that at length, but we decided that didn't necessarily have to be the story.
"It was difficult to get the right tone. We worked really hard with compliance and with the writers. We also talked to Natalie about what she was comfortable with.
"Tom is a young actor, so we had meetings with him, his chaperone and the director too. It's a massive expectation to ask a teenage boy who's new to soap to play this kind of role. Tom has been really fearless with it though, and I really take my hat off to him."
How dangerous is Lachlan?
"When we were creating the character, we talked a lot about empathy and people who struggle with it. I think Lachlan is a character who does struggle with empathy. It was mentioned from the beginning that he'd caused trouble in previous schools, the White family had to move and that was really difficult for Chrissie. We laid that trail and it's the kind of thing that keeps Chrissie awake at night - her hope that Lachlan can become a normal kid.
"So there's that side of him, but equally one thing we learned when we were talking to various charities and support groups about this story is that they were very keen for us to hit home that Lachlan can be redeemed and he can show remorse.
"That might not come just yet and it might be a longer journey, but it's one of those things that I hope the viewers can discuss amongst themselves. You often have those questions like, 'Are people born evil? Is it nature or nurture?' One talking point is whether it's a product of what he's seeing online, is it a product of the way people talk at school or is it something that's innately in him? That's what will trouble Chrissie as time goes on."
Emmerdale star Natalie Anderson has discussed the tough journey ahead for her character Alicia Metcalfe, adding that her husband David will stand by her.
The ITV soap launched a dark storyline in Thursday night's hour-long episode (February 26) as Alicia was sexually assaulted by teenager Lachlan White.
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Alicia arrives home and suggests to Lachlan they close up the shop early and he's chuffed when she asks him to make coffee.
© ITV
Alicia and Lachlan
Anderson revealed that the storyline is set to run for a long time and the aftermath will explore the impact the ordeal has on Alicia's relationship with David.
Speaking to the Daily Star, Anderson said: "The crying goes on and on and on for months. I am very lucky because I have a lot of history with Alicia and I am very close to the people who play my on-screen family.
"Even now I can't get through a scene with Leyla [Roxy Shahidi] without being so heartbroken and hysterical. Similarly her relationship with David has been through so much.
"David stands by her. I was thrilled about this. Matthew and I have filmed scenes together which are just so sad."
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David comforts Alicia
© ITV
David comforts Alicia
She added: "People have championed this couple from the start and to see how this causes a distance between them is heartbreaking. They are desperately trying to get back to each other."
Anderson also said that although she believes the controversial storyline will divide opinion, she hopes viewers support Alicia.
She said: "It's very difficult. I hope people will take Alicia's side but it is not clear-cut. He is a child with issues.
"Every assault is wrong. But as the story plays out and the wider debates rumble on, are there any sympathies for Lachlan?"
She continued: "I've always thought of Alicia's dress sense as part of her armour. She couldn't have children so she dressed in that way to still feel feminine. She does dress sexily. And now it's gone against her.
"But that is her right as a woman. She can dress however she wants. It doesn't mean she is inviting someone to assault her. She is proud of her body."
KiwiElle
03-03-2015, 09:13
Emmerdale star Natalie Anderson has admitted that the show's team always knew her latest storyline would spark some complaints.
The actress's character Alicia Metcalfe featured in powerful scenes last week as she was sexually assaulted by 14-year-old schoolboy Lachlan White, played by Thomas Atkinson.
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Natalie Anderson on This Morning
Nearly 50 viewers complained to the broadcasting regulator Ofcom after the episode aired, questioning whether the storyline was suitable for Emmerdale's pre-watershed timeslot.
Discussing the reaction on ITV's This Morning today (March 2), Anderson commented: "We knew that there would be [complaints]. It's a very contentious, sensitive storyline, so Emmerdale and Kate [Oates], our producer, were quite prepared for the fact that this would be shocking.
"Obviously everything was implied, nothing was explicit and there was so much research that went into it. We knew that there would be people who had complaints.
"I think, to be honest, in the grand scheme of things there's been more praise for the storyline than complaints for the storyline, which has been brilliant for us. Essentially we want to open up debate for why would a 14-year-old boy do this?"
Alicia arrives home and suggests to Lachlan they close up the shop early and he's chuffed when she asks him to make coffee.
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© ITV
Lachlan and Alicia
Anderson also revealed how she reacted when Emmerdale's producer Oates first discussed the storyline with her.
She explained: "When I was first told about the storyline, I was incredibly shocked. I just didn't see it coming at all. Kate sat me down and said, 'This is where we want to go with your character'. I was like, 'Oh my goodness'.
"Then I started researching the topic, because it is more than just a sexual assault storyline. We're dealing with the impact of the internet on young people. When I started looking into that, I was really shocked and I rang her back and said, 'We have to tell this story, it's so important'.
"Equally for me as an actor, it has been difficult as well at times to film. But Tom who plays Lachlan is brilliant, absolutely wonderful. He's 16 and he's approached this with such maturity and professionalism.
"He's absolutely brilliant, a real credit to the show and himself and his family. He's helped me and put me at ease a lot because he's been very mature about the whole thing."
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David comforts Alicia
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Alicia will struggle to cope in the coming weeks
Viewers have already seen Lachlan attempt to cover his tracks by telling the police and his family that he was in a relationship with Alicia. However, Anderson promised today that most of the villagers won't believe him.
She said: "There are members of the village that do question what's happened. A lot of the village do stick by her because he's got quite a bad reputation in the village.
"But obviously as we saw on Friday night, he has said, 'She's my girlfriend' and the police have to take that incredibly seriously. This is a minor who's making an accusation about an adult, so then they have to come and interview Alicia, which is absolutely horrendous for her as a mum.
"She's like, 'I can't even believe anyone would think that about me' and that's incredibly damaging to her and very upsetting."
tammyy2j
10-03-2015, 00:10
Alicia Metcalfe's sexual assault storyline develops further on Emmerdale next week as she finally gets a chance to give her side of the story to Lachlan White's mother Chrissie.
Chrissie (Louise Marwood) has stood by Lachlan since Alicia accused him of sexual assault last month, but she approaches the barmaid for an emotional heart-to-heart after beginning to realise that his story doesn't add up.
Here, Natalie Anderson - who plays Alicia - previews the big turning point in the storyline.
Lachlan returns to the village next week and confronts Alicia at the shop. What happens?
"By this point, Alicia is trying her best to put herself back together as best she can, but Lachlan is angry, humiliated and embarrassed. I do think there's a bit of Lachlan that really did love Alicia, so he is feeling hurt after she shut him down.
"When Lachlan sees Alicia at the shop and he follows her in, he wants to have his say and tell her that she 'brought it on herself' and she's lying about him. I think you'll see that both characters genuinely believe they are right in this situation. Lachlan is not necessarily predatory - he believes that what he's saying is right, but the fact that he genuinely thinks that is what is so wrong about this situation."
How does Alicia react?
"Alicia is completely terrified and tells Lachlan that he needs to go. Then she completely freaks out and goes hysterical. She throws things at him, but Alicia has got a history of assault and Chrissie says that she has now assaulted her son. So Alicia is dealing with the initial sexual assault, being accused of grooming Lachlan and now she has kind of committed an assault herself."
David later takes matters into his own hands by kidnapping Lachlan. Does Alicia think he's gone too far?
"Yes, she does to a point. She thinks, 'Oh my God, what has he done?' But equally she is quite grateful to David as well, because the police haven't reprimanded Lachlan and nobody else has told him off either. All she wants is for Lachlan to be sorry and admit that what he did was wrong. Once she has that closure she'd be able to move on, but Lachlan is not willing to do that because he doesn't believe that he is wrong.
"When David takes Lachlan, Alicia is really upset. She's desperately sad for David as well - he's such a loveable, bumbling guy but now he's been reduced to doing something so horrible. Alicia is just absolutely devastated for David. Potentially both of them could go to prison now and that would leave Jacob on his own, so it's like a melting pot of so many issues."
How does Alicia finally get through to Chrissie?
"Up until now, as with any mother, Chrissie has wanted to protect her son and believe her child. Lachlan is her baby, so she thinks Alicia is the one in the wrong. I think there was already a seed of doubt, but Chrissie has been trying to override that because she wants to do the right thing by Lachlan.
"When I read the scene where that all changes, I thought it was heartbreaking. It's very delicately written and it's very brave of Chrissie as well, because she stays and finally listens to everything that Alicia has to say. Chrissie wants to hear this because she needs Alicia, from a parent to a parent, to tell her what her son has done and what he's capable of. Then she can take the necessary action as a mother and do what she feels is best for Lachlan.
"The scene is not a shouting match - it's very moving and sad. I cried when I read it! I can only imagine how horrific it must be for the parents of somebody who commits an offence and what onus you'd put on yourself because of that."
Does Alicia blame Chrissie's parenting at all?
"No, Alicia still doesn't blame Chrissie. David says it's all Chrissie's fault, but Alicia says it's not - she has basically brought that young man up on her own. It could have been Jacob. Alicia is a mum's mum and she's not one to start judging people. She's got a past of her own, and people didn't take kindly to her when she joined the village. She understands that you just can't point the finger and blame the parents - there's a lot more going on and you have to wonder what's going on in society to make our young people behave like this."
How did you feel about taking on this storyline?
"Initially when Emmerdale's producer Kate Oates told me about the storyline it was a complete surprise to me. I was very shocked and a bit nervous, but I completely understood why she had picked Alicia as the character for this. Then I went away and did quite a bit of research into other accounts of similar real-life cases. I found some disturbing things and I remember ringing Kate back and saying that this is a story that really needed to be tackled.
"In the period between October and December last year, there were actually four high-profile cases involving children and attacks on women. There is obviously some kind of social problem going on here, so I'm really glad that we're doing this storyline because it needs to be highlighted. I will definitely say it's been the most challenging storyline I've done in my career."
How difficult has it been to get the tone right in your scenes with Thomas Atkinson, who plays Lachlan?
"Tom himself is 16 and there has been a really attentive level of care between his chaperone, the crew here at Emmerdale, the show's management and myself. We had many meetings and discussions prior to filming anything. In terms of duty of care, every box had been ticked.
"That was brilliant for Tom and I, because it meant that we could go forward and do our work. It was difficult because he's 16 and I'm 33, but the amazing thing with Tom is that he is an amazingly professional young man and he has worked away from the show. He's worked in the theatre and he's got a career, so he's very well aware of his surroundings and obviously he takes his work very seriously.
"Tom has been nothing but professional, which has been great for me because it's definitely put me at ease a lot. He's a credit to himself, and his chaperone Dave has been amazing too. We've been able to have a level of conversation where we can be quite frank. I'll say, 'Oh maybe we need to do this in a particular scene', or 'Don't be afraid of coming slightly too close in this scene'. We've discussed our boundaries."
How do you feel about the other issues that this story addresses?
"I don't want to trivialise this in any way, but this story is not just a story about sexual assault. It's a storyline which explores how a mother deals with a child who has quite clearly got issues, so we'll see how that affects Chrissie and how a couple put their lives back together afterwards.
"We're also exploring the social impact on young people at the moment and why a child like Lachlan would think that his actions were alright. We need to think about what they're subjected to in terms of the media, online content, and pornographic images and videos that can be accessed very easily.
"We've seen that with Lachlan - he's accessed porn online and he's obviously had fixations on girls before, so we've been building up to this storyline and it's dealing with lots of different wider issues. It's a much more layered story, as it's involving a minor. An adult knows right from wrong, but Lachlan is 14 so where is the blame?"
Do you find it worrying that young people can access explicit content so easily?
"Absolutely. It was something that was really brought to my attention when I started to do the research for this storyline. I typed in what happened to Alicia on Google to see what would come up. There were various real-life accounts which had happened to different people, but then there were also countless pornographic websites pointing to that kind of thing and almost glorifying it. I was horrified.
"Even at the moment, Fifty Shades of Grey has been banded about everywhere on mainstream television. A 9-year-old knows how to use an iPad, so if they want to know what Fifty Shades of Grey is, they can type it in. What comes up is pornographic images and lots of sexual content.
"That's what scary because children are very savvy. My 2-year-old knows how to work an iPad. You can get CBeebies and children's games on the iPad, but if he's faffing about, you don't know what could come up. It's really scary that there doesn't seem to be any passcodes or privacy. I keep saying that Google should have a password protection before you can access certain things."
On a personal level, was it good to get a dramatic storyline again?
"It was because we knew that we had it coming up. Myself and Matthew [Wolfenden, who plays David] were very nervous but very excited about it as well. Beforehand it was lovely to have some really fun scenes. Because Matthew and I knew we had this coming up, we wanted to make sure people remembered how fun and loveable they were as a couple. We really enjoyed playing that because we had this really dark time coming. Because we took it to that fun level, you'll see the impact of this and it's really heartbreaking when you see how it changes them."
Alicia hasn't been believed by everybody and it was the same in EastEnders' recent rape storyline. Is it still important for soaps to get the message across that survivors should speak out?
"Absolutely - 100%. There's a term called secondary wounding, when you are not believed or people almost disregard what's happened. That happens a lot with sexual assault and rape victims. If it's almost disregarded or people show their social ignorance towards your situation, it can hurt you just as much - it's that old term of adding insult to injury. We need to change those stigmas.
"That's why Emmerdale took a brave stand in showing that Alicia reported the assault straight away. We wanted to show that you can report it straight away and even though the police don't believe her initially, we have to change that.
"It's definitely right that we - and EastEnders as well who have done an amazing job - say, 'Please, please speak out'. When Kate told me that Alicia would report it straight away, I was so happy with that because I thought it showed real strength. That's what you should do if you can bring yourself to do it, because that's the only way we're going to change anything. It's also up to us as a society not to point the finger, blame or dilute anybody's situation. Every person's story is very different and nobody has the right to do anything to you if you don't want them to."
How did you switch off after filming?
"I'm incredibly lucky - I have the most incredible husband in the land! When I get home, I also have to switch into mummy mode straight away. That means I close the door on Alicia's life and go into my own. My husband James has been so supportive. He knew I had this story coming up and I'd run certain things by him. I've involved him all the way through and whenever he knew I'd had a big day filming, he'd ask me how it went.
"We'd talk it out and in a weird way it was a bit like therapy! That was really good for me to talk about it on a professional level with my husband. He knew what I was doing at work so that made things easier. He was so lovely and helpful, so on the day that we filmed the assault, he had tea, a glass of wine and a bath ready for me. It was easy to detach my life from Alicia's life!"
I thought she was leaving
lansineva
24-05-2015, 06:32
Natalie Anderson leaving at the end of the year. http://www.dailystar.co.uk/showbiz-tv/hot-tv/444012/Emmerdale-Natalie-Anderson
Shame, I like her character and of course, David will be left heartbroken and I presume she is taking Jake with her, unless she is being killed off http://www.picgifs.com/smileys/smileys-and-emoticons/sad/smileys-sad-438858.gif (http://www.picgifs.com/smileys/)
it is a shame if alicia leaves while lachlan and his family stays, good character and actress
Serena Williams
25-05-2015, 14:43
it is a shame if alicia leaves while lachlan and his family stays, good character and actress
This is sad alicia is one of the more interesting characters.
Serena Williams
25-05-2015, 14:43
it is a shame if alicia leaves while lachlan and his family stays, good character and actress
This is sad alicia is one of the more interesting characters.
I can imagine that Lachlan will be the reason for her to leave ... will have given it a go at staying in Emmerdale with the White family in close proximity .. maybe she will go off to Portugal in the end after all ....
tammyy2j
30-06-2015, 23:07
Natalie Anderson has opened up about her decision to leave the show, saying she wanted to focus her attention on her family.
The actress, who has played Alicia Metcalfe on the soap for the past five years, announced that she was quitting the show in May.
Now she has spoken about her exit for the first time, telling Hello! magazine that she wants to put her husband James Shepherd and son Freddie first.
She explained: "People say of children that you blink and they're 15 – and suddenly I knew exactly what they mean. Having Freddie really altered my perspective on my career and my approach. Usually I have a million and one things all in place and I know exactly what I'm doing. But I just decided that sometimes you have to let life take its own path.
"I feel that it's time to take my foot off the gas for a while. I believe that what is meant to come my way will – and if it's not for me, then it won't."
She added: "This year with Freddie is important, the year before he goes to school, but that's not to say I might take on something that fits around my family life. It could be a stage show, it could be presenting, it could be drama.
"I'm incredibly lucky in that I have a wonderful family and an incredible husband who have made me feel so secure and so reassured in my decision. I feel excited about the future."
Emmerdale's Alicia Metcalfe will find herself in an awkward situation next week as she wonders what the future holds for her new life in Portugal.
Friday's episode of the show saw Alicia (Natalie Anderson) return to the village to support her husband David following the tragic news that his stepmother Val Pollard had died.
David (Matthew Wolfenden) naturally wants to support his father Eric following his devastating loss, but there was a hint of potential trouble to come when he told his dad that he wouldn't be leaving the village again.
As next week's episodes begin, Eric's grief intensifies as he is totally distraught when he has to identify Val's body.
When Eric's turmoil takes its toll on David, it's Alicia who has to step up to the plate by trying her best to comfort them both.
Amid the grief, Alicia also dreads possible problems ahead as she wonders how and when it will be best to speak to David about returning to Portugal again. Will David still be reluctant to go back?
Meanwhile, there's an equally awkward atmosphere among the Dingle clan next week when Lisa (Jane Cox) finally returns following her time away.
When Lisa arrives back, it's clear that her husband Zak hasn't told her about the big revelation of Ross and Debbie's affair, while she is also under the misguided impression that Cain and his young son Kyle have struck up a permanent bond following recent events. How will she react when she is filled in on everything?
if alicia leaves david now to go back to portugal that is not in her character abandoning like that
to break up her and david either they leave together or alicia should have died
if alicia leaves david now to go back to portugal that is not in her character abandoning like that
to break up her and david either they leave together or alicia should have died
Ruffed_lemur
09-08-2015, 13:29
if alicia leaves david now to go back to portugal that is not in her character abandoning like that
to break up her and david either they leave together or alicia should have died
I agree, but would hate to lose David. Really thought they would kill Alicia off. Suppose it could happen later on.
maidmarian
09-08-2015, 13:35
I agree, but would hate to lose David. Really thought they would kill Alicia off. Suppose it could happen later on.
Or she could return after the actress has
had the year with her son( before he starts
school) that she said she wanted ??*
* in interview with actress above
maidmarian
09-08-2015, 13:35
I agree, but would hate to lose David. Really thought they would kill Alicia off. Suppose it could happen later on.
Or she could return after the actress has
had the year with her son( before he starts
school) that she said she wanted ??*
* in interview with actress above
Ruffed_lemur
09-08-2015, 16:32
Or she could return after the actress has
had the year with her son( before he starts
school) that she said she wanted ??*
* in interview with actress above
Well, yes she could do that. A year apart could change a couple though.
But Matthew will presumably take paternity leave and they can make him go back and forth to Portugal for a year, if that is all that Natalie wants off from Emmerdale ..should be possible
tammyy2j
09-08-2015, 21:20
It is too soon for Alicia to leave already I hope it is not this soon
tammyy2j
01-09-2015, 00:21
Natalie Anderson has explained character Alicia Metcalfe's decision to leave the village and her husband David behind next week.
Upcoming episodes will Alicia and David will reach the end of the road as they fail to reach an agreement on their future.
Since arriving back in the village to support Eric following Val's death, it has become clear that the couple have very different ideas over what to do next.
The pair's differences increase next week David takes steps to regain ownership of the shop, prompting a concerned Alicia to try and take action.
When Alicia's attempts to help Eric move forward backfires, she is horrified to hear David bad-mouthing her and he later questions her over how much she has changed.
With David keen to move back to the village to look after his dad, and Alicia unable to settle there after what she has been through, it seems that the pair are destined to to live their lives apart.
Anderson said: "Portugal is bright and sunny and Alicia felt that she had a future again. Thus whole thing with Val has just reminded her of how dark the village really is.
"The village was a place that she loved very much, but at the moment it just holds very dark memories for her. Not just with Lachlan but with Cameron as well and now Val's death - there are a lot of painful memories for her."
"David never wanted to go to Portugal in the first place and obviously his dad Eric is in a really bad way following Val's death.
"Also, there is a kind of excuse there that with Eric being in such a bad way, he gets to stay around for Amba and he starts talking about buying the shop back. His life is very much in the village and he didn't want to leave in the first place."
alicia leaving lets lachlan win can he leave with his mother instead
alicia isn't cut up over val or shows no sign of trauma from cameron shooting
tammyy2j
01-09-2015, 14:55
alicia leaving lets lachlan win can he leave with his mother instead
alicia isn't cut up over val or shows no sign of trauma from cameron shooting
I don't like this exit for Alicia
Serena Williams
02-09-2015, 05:42
Maybe the actress wanted a break the writers did not kill Alicia so she could comeback? This is so sad the show is losing all the younger actresses. First Katie killed off and now Alicia is leaving the show.
I don´t know if Natalie has any other work but I find it sad that the only tv work I have seen her do since leaving Emmerdale is advertising what you can win on This Morning :( Maybe it suits her life better to be less busy, just seems a shame to split her and David up in the storyline and causing Jacob so much anxiety ...
no alicia back and jacob in hospital how will that be explained
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