Natasha Wylde

Last updated

Natasha Wylde
Emmerdale character
NatashaWylde.jpg
Portrayed by Amanda Donohoe
Duration2009–2010
First appearance15 January 2009
Last appearance24 November 2010
Classification Former; regular
Created by Anita Turner
In-universe information
Occupation Businesswoman
Husband Mark Wylde (2009–2010)
Sons Nathan Wylde
Will Wylde
Daughters Maisie Wylde
Stepsons Ryan Lamb (2009–2010)

Natasha Wylde is a fictional character from the British soap opera Emmerdale played by Amanda Donohoe. She made her first appearance, along with her husband Mark Wylde (Maxwell Caulfield), on 15 January 2009. It was announced in July 2010 that Donohoe had quit her role as Natasha, and would leave the series later in the year. [1] She made her final appearance on 24 November 2010.

Contents

Creation and development

The characters of Mark and Natasha Wylde were announced in September 2008, with Maxwell Caulfield and Amanda Donohoe announced as the actors portraying them. [2] They started filming in October 2008, and were originally thought to be first appearing on 25 December 2008, [2] but this was later changed to 15 January 2009. [3]

The casting of Amanda Donohoe, a well-known name in the United Kingdom and a Golden Globe Award-winning actress, caused press interest with Donohoe doing many interviews prior to her character's first appearance. In one interview she defended soap actors and said that it is a "huge privilege" to be on the screen of "eight million people five days a week". [3] Describing being asked to take the part, Donohoe said, "I would have been stupid to say no. I am quite excited because I pretty much take over the village and cause a lot of trouble", [3] also saying in another interview that she was "flattered" to be asked to join the soap. [2] In an interview with the Daily Express , the actress said that although she was flattered they wanted to create a role for her, it was "a hell of a challenge". [4] Anita Turner, the series producer, said she was "thrilled to be welcoming two actors of such high calibre to the cast". [2]

Describing her character she said Natasha is "not a classic soap 'bitch'" and described her as "humorous, witty and strong" but would "rub people up the wrong way". [3] Amanda Donohoe said that the Wyldes are "self-made millionaires, they're very well-to-do", and although not looking for retirement they do want a "break from the big city". [5] Donohoe said the couple have two grown-up children and a nine-year-old. [4]

Storylines

Mark and Natasha first appear on horseback, going to meet Bishop George, who will give them the keys to St. Mary's Church and Home Farm, as they are the new owners. All three head to The Woolpack, where they receive an unpleasant welcome, as the fact they bought the church means Ashley and Laurel Thomas were having to leave. However, Natasha announces that they bought the church and vicarage to return it to the community - making them instantly popular.

Bigamy

In late June, Natasha discovers Mark was married to Faye Lamb. Mark, real name Daniel Lamb, went missing twenty-seven years ago. He told Faye that he was going to collect a friend from the station and never returned. They were in serious debt as his company had gone bankrupt. His parents never recovered and died shortly after Faye had Daniel declared legally dead. Unaware of this and the fact that Faye was expecting their child, he moved to France and set up a new identity – Mark Wylde.

Natasha was very hurt, knowing her marriage was a lie. She left briefly but returned, deciding not to end things with Mark. However, she insisted that Mark's past was kept a secret, paying Faye to leave after threatening to report her for insurance fraud. Faye, however, angered by Mark and Natasha's behaviour, moved to the village with Ryan, wanting Mark and Ryan to get to know each other. Natasha, wanting them to leave, got Mark to arrange a job in Dubai for Ryan after he made friends with his half-brothers. However, Mark wanted Ryan to stay and withdrew the Dubai job, much to Natasha and Ryan's horror.

Maisie, however, struggled to cope with Faye and Ryan's presence. She saw Faye as the woman determined to break up her family, thinking Mark and Faye had had an affair. The affair was over and Natasha had forgiven Mark. Maisie also forgave him, on the understanding that he wouldn't hurt her mother again. They became reluctant friends, due to both making an effort to get on as Ryan was dating Katie Sugden.

Murder

During December 2009, Ryan and Maisie got closer. They spent more time together and Maisie helps him choose a Christmas present for Katie. Eventually they realize they have romantic feelings for each other and, after Nathan sees them kissing, Ryan ends things with Katie and they start dating.

Meanwhile, Mark and Faye were also planning to get back together but changed their minds, aware of the pain that would be caused. Natasha caught them kissing and confronted them, leading to a row. All three were horrified to see Ryan and Maisie come downstairs and announce their new relationship. They were relieved to hear that they hadn't slept together and Natasha told them that they were related. Neither took the news well so Faye and Natasha concentrated on taking care of their children and asked Mark to leave. Nathan was furious when he heard Ryan call Mark Dad but went to look after Maisie and his mother. Mark tried explaining but no one wanted to listen so when they left, he went to the woods with a shotgun. Natasha found him and, scared he would shoot himself, persuaded him to give her the gun. But listening to Mark talk about how he was tired of running, infuriated Natasha so much that she shot him and buried his body in the woods. Returning to the house, she told her children that Mark has left and she has no idea where he is. On 28 January, Faye reported Mark's disappearance. They question Natasha, who tells them about Mark's life as Daniel Lamb and that he is a bigamist.

Nathan is suspicious of Natasha's erratic behaviour, following Mark's disappearance, and she eventually tells Nathan that she killed him. Initially furious, he tried digging up Mark's body but agreed to keep Natasha's secret for the sake of his siblings and on condition that Natasha gives him her money. She does and Nathan leaves the village for London. Businessman Declan Macey buys a 51% share of Home Farm Estate. He and Natasha later start dating. Nathan returns in May and takes an instant dislike of Declan. He demands that Natasha end things with Declan and buy him out but she refuses. Nathan threatens to report her to the police for Mark's murder but backs down when Natasha tells him she'll report him for helping cover the murder up. Nathan returns Natasha's money and starts running the Estate with Natasha and Declan.

In June, Sam Dingle finds Mark's wallet. His half-brother, Cain, uses Mark's credit card to send the family some flowers. Natasha initially thinks Nathan sent the flowers and throws them at his car when he pulls up outside the house. Cain also sends one of Mark's suits to Declan, who demands the truth from the Wyldes. Natasha later arranges to meet Cain after Nathan tells her that he is the blackmailer and he demands money but she refuses. Will later goes missing and Natasha thinks that he has been kidnapped. She and Nathan later discover that Cain took Will and Belle to the cafe for ice cream. Thankful that Will is safe, Natasha pays Cain to stay away from them.

In July 2010, Nathan and Natasha plan to frame Faye for Mark's murder. Natasha agrees to the plan, believing Mark's death would have never happened if Faye hadn't come to the village. On 26 July, Sam's dog, Alfie, finds Mark's body. The police found Mark's watch and other evidence to identify the body. The police ask Natasha if Mark had a pin in his knee, which she confirms and also confirms that the body is Mark's. Natasha tells her children that their father is dead and is devastated at the hurt and pain she has caused them.

Framed by Nathan, Ryan is arrested and charged with murder. Later, Maisie leaves the village, believing Ryan is innocent. She thinks Nathan killed Mark, and Natasha is covering for him. Declan loses faith in Natasha and dumps her, agreeing with Maisie. Declan refuses Natasha and Nathan's offer to buy him out of Home Farm, believing that the Wyldes will soon be leaving. Maisie returns and visits Natasha, demanding she explain why she is covering for Nathan, staying with Faye. Natasha visits her but argues with Faye, telling her that Mark would still be alive if she hadn't come to the village. Faye slaps her and Natasha walks away but Faye shouts after her that she and Nathan will never be free of their guilt.

Natasha gives evidence at Ryan's trial. She falters on reading the oath but gives a convincing performance as a grieving widow. During the trial, Nathan is kidnapped by Cain, who intended to torture him to get a confession. Natasha tries contacting Nathan but does not get a reply. On 26 October 2010, Ryan is found guilty and as she leaves the court, Maisie confronts Natasha and again accuses her of covering for Nathan, and as good as killing Ryan. Natasha goes home to discover Will has returned from staying with a family friend and finds Cain in the kitchen. He reveals he kidnapped Nathan and has left Maisie with him, taking Natasha and Will to the barn where he is holding Nathan captive and after hearing Nathan scream, Natasha finds Maisie about to hit Nathan with a piece of wood. Nathan told Maisie that Natasha had killed Mark but Maisie didn't believe him. Thinking Nathan committed the murder, she asks Natasha to stop covering for Nathan. Natasha then confesses that she killed Mark but Will overhears her confession. Natasha gives Maisie her mobile phone and tells her that her fate is in her hands. Maisie calls the police, despite Natasha and Nathan's suggestions of a fresh start and telling Cain for forcing her to confess but she refuses. Natasha apologizes to Maisie and goes to hug Will to tell him that she still loves him but Will rejects her, saying he doesn't want her love, he wants his father back. The police arrive and Natasha is arrested and taken away. The following day, Maisie visits Natasha in prison and demands the whole truth. Natasha tells Maisie that she acted alone but Maisie refuses to believe her. Natasha asks Maisie to bring Will on her next visit but Maisie says that neither of them want to see her again. Natasha is then escorted to her cell by a prison guard. The door is shut and locked. Natasha sits down on a chair and resigns herself to her fate.

On 24 November 2010, Natasha is sentenced to life imprisonment for Mark's murder and ordered by the judge to serve a minimum term of 21 years before being considered for parole. Nathan attends Natasha's sentencing and is shocked by the length of the sentence. Faye also attends the sentencing. As Natasha is led away, she mouths the word "sorry" to Nathan. Natasha is last seen being escorted into prison by guards.

Reception

Simon Swift, in his Soaplife blog criticised Emmerdale for not being "more radical" in their new characters, rather than having another "bitch" stereotype, although he said if Natasha was to "reach the heights of Kim Tate - we'll all be happy". [6] Swift was, however, thankful that the character was not "another Dingle". [6]

Related Research Articles

Amanda Donohoe is an English actress. She first came to public attention at age 16 for her relationship with pop singer Adam Ant, appearing in the music videos for the Adam and the Ants singles "Antmusic" (1980) and "Stand and Deliver" (1981) during their four-year relationship. After making her film debut in Foreign Body (1986), she starred in two films by director Ken Russell: The Lair of the White Worm (1988) and The Rainbow (1989).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sam Dingle</span> Fictional character from Emmerdale

Sam Dingle is a fictional character from the British television soap opera Emmerdale, played by James Hooton. He made his first appearance in the episode broadcast on 14 February 1995.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Katie Sugden</span> Fictional character from Emmerdale

Katie Sugden is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Emmerdale, played by Sammy Winward. She made her first screen appearance on 18 July 2001 and Winward's casting was announced a week prior. The character was introduced as a love interest for Andy Sugden and their relationship was a focus point for most of the character's tenure. Winward took maternity leave in 2005, returning the following year. Katie's later stories include relationships with Adam Barton and Declan Macey, the latter whom she marries. Writers placed Katie in danger in 2012 when she is involved in a mineshaft accident. Winward announced her decision to leave the series in November 2014 and Katie was killed-off, making her final appearance on 9 February 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cain Dingle</span> Fictional character from Emmerdale

Cain Dingle is a fictional character from the British soap opera Emmerdale, played by Jeff Hordley. Cain made his first appearance on 30 March 2000, and in 2006, he was written out of the series when Hordley left the soap; however, the option for a return was confirmed, which occurred when Hordley returned to the cast in February 2009. Cain's main storylines have focused on discovering his "uncle" Zak Dingle is his father; his relationship with his cousin Charity Dingle ; discovering he is Debbie Dingle's father; his affair and subsequent relationship with Moira Barton ; being attacked in a whodunit storyline where his assailant was eventually revealed to be his father; being diagnosed with a brain aneurysm; supporting his nephew Aaron Livesy after discovering Aaron was sexually abused by his father Gordon Livesy as a child; reuniting with his and Chas' mother Faith Dingle ; his relationship with local vicar Harriet Finch ; building up a relationship with his children; being blackmailed by DI Malone to do drug runs for him; his feud with Al Chapman and taking blame for Al's murder to protect his younger son Kyle who was responsible for killing Al.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Charity Dingle</span> Fictional character from Emmerdale

Charity Boyd is a fictional character from the British television soap opera Emmerdale, played by Emma Atkins. Suranne Jones originally auditioned for the role of Charity prior to Atkins being cast in the role. The actress began filming her first scenes in February 2000, and she made her first screen appearance as Charity during the episode broadcast on 30 March 2000. Actress Mica Proctor played a young Charity in a flashback episode about the character's past, which aired on 29 May 2018.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mark Wylde</span> Fictional character from Emmerdale

Mark Wylde is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera, Emmerdale, played by Maxwell Caulfield. He made his first appearance on 15 January 2009 and departed on 14 January 2010.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nathan Wylde</span> Fictional character from Emmerdale

Nathan Wylde is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Emmerdale, played by Lyndon Ogbourne. He made his first on-screen appearance on 17 February 2009 and his last on 26 November 2010.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maisie Wylde</span> Fictional character from Emmerdale

Maisie Foster is a fictional character from the British soap opera Emmerdale, played by Alice Coulthard. The character was introduced by series producer Anita Turner and first appeared in 2009. It was announced on 30 June 2010 that Alice Coulthard had quit the show and her character would be written out later in the year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lizzie Lakely</span> Fictional character from Emmerdale

Lizzie Lakely is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Emmerdale, played by Kitty McGeever. Lizzie is Emmerdale's first blind character, and was played by a blind actress. She made her first on-screen appearance on 28 April 2009. Lizzie's last appearance was on 28 March 2013. McGeever had health problems, but, in June 2013, producer Kate Oates stated there had been plans for her to return. McGeever died in August 2015, however, without having returned to the series.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Faye Lamb</span> Fictional character from Emmerdale

Faye Lamb is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Emmerdale, played by Kim Thomson. She made her first on-screen appearance on 27 March 2009. In January 2011, it was announced that Thomson had quit the series, and she departed on 24 March of that year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jai Sharma</span> Fictional character from Emmerdale

Jai Sharma is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera, Emmerdale, played by Chris Bisson. He made his first on-screen appearance on 11 September 2009, alongside his brother Nikhil. In 2013, Bisson temporarily departed Emmerdale on 24 January because of the birth of his child and returned at the end of March that year.

Ryan Lamb (<i>Emmerdale</i>) Fictional character from Emmerdale

Ryan Lamb is a fictional character from the British soap opera Emmerdale. He was played by actor James Sutton and made his first appearance in June 2009. In February 2011, it was announced that Sutton would be leaving the show in spring 2011. He made his last appearance on 26 April 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Holly Barton</span> Fictional character from Emmerdale

Holly Barton is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera, Emmerdale, played by Sophie Powles. She made her first on-screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 17 July 2009. Holly was introduced to the soap as part of the Bartons, a new farming family who took over the running of Butler's Farm. Holly was joined by her mother, father and two siblings. The family were described as being "sexy, modern and contemporary" by the show's series producer, Gavin Blyth. Holly departed on 20 June 2012, but Powles later reprised her role and Holly returned on 24 March 2016 for a six-month stint. The character was killed off on 29 September 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Declan Macey</span> Fictional character from Emmerdale

Declan Macey is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Emmerdale, portrayed by Jason Merrells. He was introduced on 15 April 2010. The Emmerdale website has described the character by saying "Declan is a shrewd businessman who knows exactly what he wants and how to get it. He's prepared to be unpopular if it's good for business and the people in the village recognise his confidence. He does have a softer side but is not the most attentive husband in the world." In September 2014, Merrells confirmed he had left the show. Declan made his final appearance on 13 October 2014 after exposing the crimes that he committed with his wife, Charity Dingle ; she framed her cousin Sam and his girlfriend Rachel Breckle for starting a fire at Home Farm – which Declan was responsible for during his attempt to commit suicide after becoming on the verge of financial bankruptcy – before causing the events of Declan embarking on a monthly insurance fraud.

Ella Hart is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera, Emmerdale, played by Corrinne Wicks. She made her first on-screen appearance on 17 November 2010. Ella is a businesswoman who is described as "sexy and savvy". She is the ex-wife of Declan Macey and mother of Mia. Wicks left Emmerdale in 2011, and departed on 25 August.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Leyla Harding</span> Fictional character from Emmerdale

Leyla Harding is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera, Emmerdale, played by Roxy Shahidi. She made her first on-screen appearance on 11 August 2008 and was introduced by series producer, Anita Turner. The character departed on 5 August 2011. Shahidi returned to Emmerdale for two episodes on 25 December 2013. She returned full-time in January 2014. On 5 January 2018, Shahadi took maternity leave from the show whilst pregnant with her first child. She returned on 3 October 2018.

References

  1. Hill, Susan (25 July 2010). "Emmerdale's Amanda Donohoe to quit the show". Daily Star . Retrieved 25 July 2010.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Green, Kris (22 September 2008). "New couple join 'Emmerdale' for Xmas". Digital Spy .
  3. 1 2 3 4 "Emmerdale's Donohoe on soap acting". Yahoo!. 8 January 2009.[ permanent dead link ]
  4. 1 2 Palmer, Laura (17 January 2009). "The Last Word - Emmerdale's Amanda Donohoe". Daily Express .
  5. "Amanda Donohoe talks about soap acting". Evening Post. 7 January 2009.
  6. 1 2 Swift, Simon (14 October 2008). "Bitches and business again in Emmerdale". Soaplife.[ permanent dead link ]