Natalie Bassingthwaighte returns to Neighbours
Natalie Bassingthwaighte is reprising her role as Isabelle ‘Izzy’ Hoyland in Neighbours.
The actress will make an ‘extended guest appearance’ in the soap early next year with Channel 5 airing the return of her controversial alter-ego in a one-hour prime-time special in February.
“I knew there would always be a time for Izzy to make her return. I had the most extraordinary time working on Neighbours all those years ago with mentors like of Alan Fletcher, Jackie Woodburne and Stefan Dennis, I feel really blessed to have had the opportunity to learn my craft on the show and I’m so excited to be back on set.” – Natalie Bassingthwaighte
Izzy’s home wrecking and man-eating antics famously saw her come between the cul-de-sac saga’s most enduring couple, Karl (Alan Fletcher) and Susan Kennedy (Jackie Woodburne). She moved in with Karl who at the time was parted from wife Susan and went on to claim him the father of her unborn child; something she knew to be untrue. Susan later strong-armed Izzy into admitting the truth, however the schemer would go on to fall pregnant to Karl for real after a one night stand. Izzy moved away without putting Karl in the picture but encountered the Kennedys once more in London where Karl delivered her baby – a girl; Holly – which Susan later found out was Karl’s.
“It’s almost impossible to describe how excited I am to have Nat back on set, best thing about it is it makes me feel 15 years younger – it’s back to 2003. The story is one of the best I’ve ever worked on, the fans are going to love it.” – Alan Fletcher
Izzy’s other storylines included a relationship with Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis) who was suspected of killing her; and an affair with Ned Parker (Dan O’Connor). The character appeared for the first time in September 2003 and was last seen on a temporary basis in March 2007, which was a return to the soap for Bassingthwaighte following an initial departure in 2006.
“Izzy is Ramsay Street’s ultimate home wrecker and her homecoming to Ramsay Street will be explosive. We’ve been in talks with Natalie about returning for quite some time and I’m thrilled that it’s finally come together. She’s a fearless performer and a dynamic on-screen presence. Seeing her on set with Alan and Jackie this week, there’s no doubt the magic is still there.” – Jason Herbison, Neighbours Executive Producer
