LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION
WINNING A FILM ROLE AHEAD OF BIG BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
If anyone has good reason to remember this moment in time it’s actress Natalie Anderson – as she exclusively tells hello! about her first film role, starring on the big screen with Liam Neeson and Monica Bellucci, ahead of her 40th birthday in October.
“From the beginning, I had dreams of going to America,” says the star, who spent five years on Emmerdale. “In my early 20s, the big screen was my goal. I hadn’t put it to bed completely, although I never really thought film would be the next step for me at this stage in my life.”
Nor is it just any film. Memory is directed by Casino Royale’s Martin Campbell and, as well as Liam and Monica, it also stars Guy Pearce.
“When I saw who was involved, I thought: ‘Crikey, this is a big film,’ so of course I said yes,” she reveals.
Although she’s Yorkshire-born,
Natalie’s American accent for her role of Maryanne drew praise from the director.
“He said he was astounded when he found out I was Northern,” she tells us.
“I felt so lucky to be working in what has been such a tough time, and to be with that calibre of people was just amazing – 2021 is turning out so much better than I could ever have imagined.”
A YEAR TO REMEMBER
Even more highs are in store next year, with plans to renew her vows with husband James Shepherd, a health and fitness project manager and coach, with whom she has son, Freddie – nine this month.
“Even though it will be our 14th year of marriage, we three as a collective will celebrate 100 years between us – I’ll be 40 in October and next year, James
‘The big screen was my goal but I never thought it would be the next stage for me at this time of my life’
will be 50 and Freddie, ten,” Natalie says. “It seems the perfect time to celebrate, especially after such a tough 18 months with the pandemic.
“I think lockdown brought us closer together than ever. And aside from when Freddie was born, our wedding was the best day of our lives.”
Like many parents, Natalie feels the years have raced by. “Where did the last decade go? It’s so crazy,” she says. “When I look back at what I’ve done, I feel I’ve fitted a lot in, but at the same time I can’t quite believe I’m going to be 40.”
Plans are already in place for a Great Gatsby- themed birthday party in Leeds, where the family lives. “I thought: ‘Let’s have a big party and have some sparkle and joy with an ode to the Roaring Twenties.’ I’ve booked a venue, but I’m looking now at my guest list thinking I may need somewhere bigger.”
‘I always tried to be the happy-go-lucky kind of girl, but anxiety has been horrible to live with at times’
WORKING IT OUT
Natalie’s youthful looks belie the fact she will soon be entering her fifth decade, although she laughs and says: “When I’ve come back from the gym and I’m in my sports clothes, my mum says I still look about 12!” Working out in the gym has always been her go-to for curbing anxiety. She says: “It helps me switch off from everything else and I find it really vital. It’s never about weight loss for me; it’s about feeling good, giving yourself some downtime and space in your brain.” She has suffered with anxiety throughout her life, telling us: “I always put a smile on and tried to be the happy-go-lucky kind of girl, but deep down, it has been horrible to live with at times. No one really spoke about anxiety or depression or mental health issues, but this last decade has changed that so much.
“To be able to say it out loud makes it so much easier. To be
able to say: ‘I’m feeling really anxious today,’ in the same way you might say you have a headache, without being judged.
“I’ve found that for me, a lot of it comes from overstimulation, when your brain is too busy. That’s when anxiety comes along.”
‘My 30s have been a bit tumultuous. You find a lot out about yourself, particularly when you become a parent’
CHANGING ROLES
It was the elements of darkness in her Memory character Maryanne that drew Natalie to the role. “I found that interesting to portray. She’s very against type. It’s not what people would think of me doing and so I’m hoping it will be a bit of a surprise.
“Ten years ago, if I’d read for this role, I don’t think I would have had the maturity and lived experience to bring something to it,” she adds.
Sharing life’s experiences is at the heart of her health and wellness website The Capsule and her podcast The Capsule in Conversation, with the support of Harrogate Spring Water, which sees her chat to celebrity and expert guests including Strictly Come Dancing’s Shirley Ballas, singer Una Healy and former Olympic athlete Denise Lewis.
“The new series in September will start with our 50th episode – wow, that means 49 incredible women have already given their time to share their stories, their struggles and advice; it’s a huge privilege,” says Natalie.
Looking back on her 30s, she describes the decade as “happy but a bit tumultuous as well”.
“You find a lot out about yourself, particularly when you become a parent. I feel it is the decade when you learn the most and now, going into my 40s, I feel ready to put it all into practice.”