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

    Natalie Anderson made her ITV soap comeback to Coronation Street earlier this year, a decade after she left Emmerdale following a five-year stint13:35, 22 Jul 2025Natalie Anderson played Emmerdale’s Alicia Metcalfe for five yearsFormer Emmerdale favourite Natalie Anderson has reflected on her decision to leave the soap, where she played Alicia Metcalfe from 2010 until 2015. Fans last saw Alicia heading off to Portugal following a dramatic time, and she’s not been back to the Dales since.Post-Emmerdale, the 43-year-old actress focused on motherhood while juggling various acting gigs, which has included a part in the 2022 film Memory, and a role in Netflix’s popular series Fool Me Once.This year, Natalie felt it was the right time to make a comeback to soap land, and she joined Coronation Street as Danielle, the secret wife of Theo Silverton (James Cartwright), in April.Reflecting on her reason to quit Emmerdale 10 years ago, she said: “I had a three-year-old son that I’d not really seen that much.”My priority was being a mum and I wanted to be hands-on. I’d done five really great years as Alicia at Emmerdale, and I needed a rest and some time to be with my family.”Natalie Anderson is now a part of the Coronation Street castNatalie insists she has no regrets over her decision, as she’s had “the absolute best time of my life” creating memories with her son Freddie.Now that he is a bit older, the actress has adapted to a better work-life balance and is loving her role on Coronation Street.Despite being an actress for 20 years however, she admitted to being “terrified” about joining the cast of the iconic ITV soap.When quizzed on whether she took to her new role with ease, she told Best Magazine: “No, I was terrified on my first day! There’s something very iconic about Coronation Street.”Growing up, I watched Raquel and all the scraps – Gail and Eileen and Ken and Deidre.”So when you finally get your moment, it’s pretty special. I had a scene in Roy’s Rolls and David Neilson was just behind me.”In my head I was like, ‘Oh, my God, it’s Roy!’ It was nerve-wracking. But once you’re settled in, it’s a lovely place to work.”Natalie Anderson joined Coronation Street as Theo Silverton’s wife DanielleSince her arrival on the cobbles in April, Alicia has found herself embroiled in marital turmoil.Earlier in the year, she was left reeling after catching her husband Theo locked in a romantic embrace with Todd Grimshaw (Gareth Pierce).As their divorce proceedings get underway, Danielle has grown close to Noah Hedley (Richard Winsor), with forthcoming episodes set to unveil a shocking development.The plot thickens when Danielle’s estranged husband Theo stumbles upon her new romance with Noah, who played a role in his traumatic past.Article continues belowYears ago, Theo was subjected to conversion therapy, and Noah was involved in the ordeal.With Danielle’s ex only just beginning to accept his identity and exploring a fresh start with Todd, this blast from the past could potentially shatter his newfound peace.Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 8pm on ITV. More

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    TOWIE icon makes unexpected career move with ‘full circle’ link to her past

    EXCLUSIVE: The Only Way Is Essex star Frankie Sims spoke exclusively to Daily Star about her brand her project with an unexpected link to her past she never saw coming09:00, 22 Jul 2025TOWIE star Frankie Sims’ new venture is a match made in heaven.Reality TV icon Frankie recently celebrated her 30th birthday and recently teamed up with restaurant chain Frankie and Benny’s, which is also fast approaching its third decade.She told Daily Star: “So I used to go to Frankie and Benny’s growing up for my birthdays, with my friends, and obviously my name is in the name! New York Italian food is my favourite cuisine. I feel like I learned that growing up from going to Frankie and Benny’s.””It just felt like a 360 moment when they reached out. It was so funny, they gave us the location and it was the Romford location – the exact restaurant I grew up going to with all my friends!”TOWIE star Frankie Sims and restaurant chain Frankie and Benny’s are both celebrating their 30th birthdays(Image: More