Natalie Gumede

Natalie is best known for portraying Kirsty Soames in Coronation Street, a role which saw her at the centre of one of the soap’s most gripping storylines as the abusive fiancée of Tyrone Dobbs. Having won Best Newcomer and Best Storyline at The British Soap Awards in 2012 and 2013 respectively, Natalie left the cobbled streets of Weatherfield in April.

Born in Burnley, Natalie’s a northern gal at heart. She got the showbiz bug young, starting dance lessons at three before joining her local theatre. It was clear she was destined for great things when she was picked to present a regional insert for Children in Need at just 11 years old!

Moving to the bright lights of London as a teenager to pursue her acting dream, she graduated from the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in 2003. It wasn’t long before Natalie was talent spotted and just a year later she won the role of China in BBC Three’s Ideal alongside comedy legend Johnny Vegas.

In 2008, she appeared with former Strictly contestant Colin Salmon and Neil Morrissey in the film Clubbed, soon followed by BBC Two sitcom The Persuasionists.

Having previously tried out for the role of Kelly Crabtree, Natalie got her big break in 2011, landing the part of Kirsty Soames in Corrie. She was working as an estate agent at the time, and continued to do so right up until three days before she started filming! Her nerves took over on her first day on set when she snapped a car mirror, smashed a glass and dropped her lunch in front of her colleagues... Let’s hope she’s a little less clumsy on the Strictly dance floor!