Emmerdale fans baffled as Natalie Anderson joins rival soap weeks after opportunity to return to the Dales

Emmerdale fans are confused after it was announced that former star Natalie Anderson is to join Coronation Street. Natalie, who played Alicia Metcalfe in Emmerdale, will...
Kerry Barrett
By Kerry Barrett

Emmerdale fans are confused after it was announced that former star Natalie Anderson is to join Coronation Street.

Natalie, who played Alicia Metcalfe in Emmerdale, will play Danielle in Corrie. Danielle, is the wife of newcomer Theo – a builder who’s caught the eye of Todd Grimshaw.

David and Alicia at their wedding
Natalie played Alicia Metcalfe in Emmerdale (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)

Who was Alicia?

Alicia was Leyla’s sister and the adoptive mum of Leyla’s son, Jacob.

So when Leyla was killed in the shocking limo crash recently, fans hoped Alicia would return to pay her respects to her sister and support grieving Jacob.

But Alicia didn’t show up – apparently because she had a broken leg.

Fans thought it could be because Natalie Anderson’s career has been non-stop since she left Emmerdale. She’s played Nessarose in the West End production of Wicked, and appeared on Loose Women and This Morning.

Plus Natalie played Lexi Calder in Hollyoaks from 2021 until 2022.

She had roles Liam Neeson thriller Memory as well as in Happy Valley, and the smash-hit adaptation of the Harlan Coben book Fool Me Once.

Natalie’s joining Coronation Street

Natalie played Claire Walker in Fool Me Once – the sister of the character played by former Corrie star Michelle Keegan.

Funnily enough, Natalie’s resemblance to Michelle Keegan, which won her the role of Claire on Fool Me prevented her getting a part in Corrie several years ago.

But now Natalie will finally get to step on to the cobbles as Danielle.

Fans though are disappointed she’s joining another soap, instead of coming back to Emmerdale as Alicia.

“I though Alicia might come back,” said one disgruntled viewer.

And others speculated that Alicia could still return – but played by a different actress. We’re not sure how we feel about that!

We are disappointed that Alicia doesn’t appear to be coming back to Emmerdale any time soon. But  we love Natalie Anderson so as soap fans we’re glad we’ll get our fix on the Corrie cobbles instead!