Natalie has played bitchy DS Debbie McAllister for the past three years. The role has seen her back-stabbing, lying and having sex with bosses to further her career.
'Debs was described to me as the bad girl of CID, the manipulator who alawys comes out smelling of roses after dropping other people right in it. I was really excited - everyone loves a bad girl.
After spending time in a police station to find out how CID works, I became aware of a strong cultureof distrust and the massive importance of rank. Debs fits perfectly into that scenario - she would stab anyone in the back to climb the career ladder, and there's nothing she wouldn't do to succeed.
In contrast, I am incredibly loyal. Friends, family and work colleagues are very important to me and i nurture relationships by spending quality time with the people I care about.
When I first joined The Bill, I wasn't popular with viewers, I'd be out with a gang of the cast and nobody ever asked for my autograoh. I took it as a compliment though - people were obviously convinced I was a cold bitch too - but it's changed now. Viewers have seen Debs' softer side since she had her baby.
Debbie is everything I hope I'm not - selfish, intense, cold and serious - but there are occasions which will bring her out in me, namely speed cameras, traffic wardens and fighting fir a parking space.
The only quality we share is determination. Acting has been my life - I always wanted to be on stage, and I gave it my all. After leaving scjool at 17, I became a dancer and at 22 I landed a role with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Debs probably went for a job with the Met because she liked the idea of being a detective, but I don't think she's particularky good or dedicated to it. She's just so sly she manages to hide her cock-ups.
I'm very sensitive but she's the opposite, so while I was crying over Dumbo as a youngster, she was more likely to be watching The Avengers and modelling herself on Emma Peel, leather catsuit and all.
Debbie's character is quite draining - she's so serious about life. I'm bubbly, passionate and like a good laugh, so it can feel quite restrictive. I can't even escape from her after work because I have lines to learn for the next day. Debs' character comes across in her clothes too - she's very much of the crisp white shirt and dark trouser suit brigade, so as soon ad I'm home I get into the loudest, brightest clothes I can find. She's a single mum, so I don't know how she manages to look so immaculate every day - I'd turn up to work all crumpled and grubby. Life's far too short for ironing.
Balance is my middle name. If I've upset someone, I can't rest until it's sorted and I've made amends. Debbie not only wouldn't care if she hurt someone's feelings, she's so self-obsessed she probably wouldn't notice. There's a sadness to Debbie, which I hope has come across. She's quite isolated and doesn't socialise much. I'm happily single, whereas her love life seems to consist of one-night-stands. Mind you, I can't blame her for that - she's getting it where she can.'
