“Bringing Izzy back to life is epic!”

Star Natalie had a ball stepping into Izzy’s stilettos again…

We’ve been waiting 10 years to see Izzy back on Ramsay Street! Had you been approached before?

I think I’ve been approached to return every year since I left! I always felt the timing wasn’t right. But [Neighbours executive producer] Jason Herbison has been pretty persistent over the last few years, and everything fell into place. And I loved the story idea – it’s classic Izzy!

What was it like for you stepping back on to the Neighbours set?

I felt at home straight away, particularly working again with Alan Fletcher [Karl], Jackie Woodburne [Susan], Stefan Dennis [Paul] and Ryan Moloney [Toadie]. We’ve kept in contact since I left and our paths often cross, as Alan and I live near each other. It was quite humbling to be back where I started my career.

Do you still get approached by viewers who want to talk to you about Izzy?

Constantly! Of all the things I’ve done, Izzy is the one I get asked about most on the street. She’s one of those characters that you love to hate, and this time round the fans will love to hate her even more!

Will there be a love interest for her?

She does hook up with someone – and it’s not Karl! I had a bedroom scene, and I feel like an old hand at that now. It feels kind of normal, which is weird…

How bad is Izzy set to be?

She is outrageous – bringing Izzy back to life is epic! She’s always been about causing havoc, and that hasn’t changed. I returned to Izzy off the back of another series called The Wrong Girl, and the character I played in that was the complete opposite – so measured and together. I thought this was a really good time to resurrect Izzy, as they’re so different.

We know this is only a guest stint, so what’s in the pipeline?

There always seems to be something happening, whether it’s music or launching my new children’s clothing range, Chikhi. But returning to TV has really reignited my love of acting – it’s what I’ve always wanted to do, and

I feel I’ve come full circle. Even my husband says that he’s never seen me so happy!