Natasha Blakeman
Encyclopedia
Natasha Blakeman is a fictional character
from the British ITV1
soap opera
Coronation Street
, played by Rachel Leskovac
. The character first appeared onscreen during the episode airing on 12 May 2008. On 29 April 2010, it was announced that Leskovac had been axed from the show after two years and would depart in "an exciting and dramatic storyline which will be an integral part of the build-up to Coronation Street's 50th anniversary". In May 2010 it was suggested that Natasha was to take her own life, after she is left heartbroken of the break-up of her relationship with Nick Tilsley
, however, this never materialised and Natasha made her last appearance on 27 September 2010.
actress Rachel Leskovac
was to take on the role, with a Coronation Street spokesman confirming it: "Rachel's very well known in TV land as she has been in countless series and dramas. To have her new character in the salon is a smashing coup." The actress stated in an interview that she only felt really part of the backstage family when her character became more involved with central storylines saying: "Last year, it was a bit sporadic because I wasn't in for weeks on end, so every time I came back it felt like my first day again. It's only now in the new year that it's started to feel like I'm part of the family!".
) that her sister-in-law has just given birth to her niece, Electra. She spots a good business opportunity in opening the salon for late night trading hours during the week, an idea to which Audrey agrees to.
Natasha is drafted in to style Molly Compton's (Vicky Binns
) hair for her wedding day in January 2009. In February 2009, she flirts with Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson
) in the Rovers and later asks him out on a date. Steve is jealous of Jason Grimshaw
(Ryan Thomas
) and Becky Granger's (Katherine Kelly
) relationship at the time, but reluctantly agrees to go out with Natasha. Though Natasha isn't impressed with Steve, for their date they sit in and eat a takeaway, she tells him that there are no hard feelings.
In February 2009, it is revealed that businessman Tony Gordon
(Gray O'Brien
) is to bed Natasha, providing the character with her first major storyline. On 23 March 2009, Natasha pays Tony a visit. The two kiss passionately at first, Natasha does most of the talking, while Tony sits silently. Towards the end of the visit he begins to soften towards her; as she leaves he tells her to stop and take her coat off, the pair subsequently have sex. Natasha is in good spirits following her passion with Tony and gloats about it to colleague Maria Connor (Samia Smith
) who is beginning to secretly harbour feelings for Tony. Maria tries to warn Natasha away from him claiming that he will treat her badly and even tries setting her up with Tom Kerrigan (Philip McGinley
) but to no avail as Natasha has set her sights firmly on Tony.
Some months later Natasha begins to become suspicious of the amount of time that Tony is spending with Maria. Consumed by jealousy, Natasha tells Maria that he is only paying her attention because he is feeling sorry for her. Tony is furious when he discovers what Natasha has said which leads to a heated showdwon between the couple and they subsequently separate. Natasha tries to warn her friend Maria about Tony's 'dark side' but she refuses to listen. It is only months later when Tony is revealed as the murderer of Maria's husband Liam Connor
(Rob James-Collier
) that Maria accepts what Natasha had tried to tell her.
In April 2010, Natasha finds herself attracting the unwanted attention of Graeme Proctor
(Craig Gazey
). She is amused at his attempts to woo her, however, she discovers that he is using similar tactics with Rosie Webster
(Helen Flanagan
). They both decide to teach him a lesson; Natasha feigns interest in Graeme and meets him for a drink at the Rovers where she playfully flirts with him. When she asks him about Rosie, he states that she is a bimbo and that he has no interest in her. At that moment, Rosie comes up behind him and pours a pint over his head much to the amusement of the pub.
In the same month, Natasha sets her sights on Audrey's grandson Nick Tilsley
(Ben Price
) and he agrees to go out with her, after she makes her interest in him clear. However, after he cancels several of their dates, she angrily confronts him in Underworld and he is impressed by her feisty personality and begins to take their relationship more seriously. After a while, Natasha begins to feel increasingly more exiled by Nick and his family, firstly by Nick's mother Gail (Helen Worth
)'s cold response towards her upon her release from prison and by Nick as he continually puts business matters before their relationship. Eagar to settle down, Natasha suggests that they could move into a place of their own, however, Nick is still preoccupied with business woes, as Underworld has recently burned down, and virtually ignores Natasha. Becoming insecure over his dealings with ex-wife Leanne Battersby
(Jane Danson
), she lends him £3,000 to pay for new business premises and secure the future of the factory in an attempt to please him.
In July 2010, while organising a surprise 70th birthday party for Audrey, Natasha discovers that her boss is considering retirement from the salon. Ambitious to own her own business, Natasha suggests to Audrey at the party that she should sell the salon to her. She is incredulous when Audrey tells her that Maria, who has just moved back from Ireland, has also offered to buy the business. Natasha's feelings of insecurity are further heightened by Nick's devious half-brother David Platt
(Jack P. Shepherd
) who informs her that Maria was once engaged to Nick and that she is just one of many women whom Nick has been involved with.
Despairing that Nick is still not completely committed to moving into an apartment with her, Natasha's problems are further exacerbated when she discovers on 9 August 2010 that she is pregnant with his baby. Before she has a chance to tell Nick, he ends their relationship as he sees her as being too needy. Later when Natasha misinterprets a situation between Nick and Leanne at the factory, she reveals to Nick that she is pregnant. Furious that she didn't tell him sooner, Nick storms away, which results in Natasha having an abortion
. However, Nick later changes his mind about Natasha and tells her that he wants them to be family, much to her secret horror, nevertheless, she pretends that she is still pregnant. Events further spiral out of control when Nick announces her pregnancy in the Rovers.
After Natasha steals Fiz Stape (Jennie McAlpine
)'s baby scan picture and passes it off as her own, she breaks down and confesses the truth to Fiz after she figures out what Natasha has done. Seeing how she is starting to lose control, Fiz urges her to tell Nick the truth. Just as she walks into the factory to tell him, Nick proposes to her, which she immediately accepts, much to Fiz's indignation. In the meanwhile, Gail has grown suspicious of her future daughter-in-law, and looks up her records at the medical centre and sees that Natasha has had an abortion. After being told by Nick that she will always be second best to Leanne and being ordered to move out, she attempts to commit suicide by taking an overdose of prescription drugs. Nick finds her unconscious and rushes her to the hospital, where she recovers and Nick tells her he is sorry and that they will try again once she is better.
Natasha is discharged from hospital the next morning, and stays at Audrey's house, while she recovers. While there, Nick arrives with some flowers, he asks if she wants them to try again for another baby, much to her surprise and delight. After Nick leaves, Audrey and Natasha have a heart-to-heart, and Natasha realises that Nick no longer loves her, and he is only trying to be nice because he feels sorry for her. She leaves Audrey's, and heads back to Weatherfield to take her revenge on all those who misunderstood or were horrible to her. During her visit, she berates Leanne for being a catalyst in her break-up with Nick and tells David that Tina McIntyre
(Michelle Keegan
) will never love him as he has no heart or feelings. She also goes to Underworld and causes chaos by telling all the workers Nicks' special 'nicknames' for them all, and saving best for last, she gets Gail sacked from her job at the Medical Centre by revealing to Dr. Carter (Oliver Mellor
) how Gail broke the rules of patient confidentiality by hacking into private medical records, her last words to Gail are 'Hope you have a Nice Life Gail, ooh look, I had my fingers crossed' before leaving. An empowered but tearful Natasha then leaves Weatherfield in the back of a cab as Nick looks on.
, who runs a monthly column on the most popular and unpopular soap opera characters, including Natasha, attributing her rise in popularity, stating: "A fairly new addition to Weatherfield, Natasha is proving so far very likeable. This could all change, but for now, we’re loving her work." Deborah Ross of The Independent
described her as having "trapped a man by pretending to be pregnant" before adding that "Obviously, she cannot think nine months ahead".
Character (arts)
A character is the representation of a person in a narrative work of art . Derived from the ancient Greek word kharaktêr , the earliest use in English, in this sense, dates from the Restoration, although it became widely used after its appearance in Tom Jones in 1749. From this, the sense of...
from the British ITV1
ITV1
ITV1 is a generic brand that is used by twelve franchises of the British ITV Network in the English regions, Wales, southern Scotland , the Isle of Man and the Bailiwicks of Jersey and Guernsey. The ITV1 brand was introduced by Carlton and Granada in 2001, alongside the regional identities of their...
soap opera
Soap opera
A soap opera, sometimes called "soap" for short, is an ongoing, episodic work of dramatic fiction presented in serial format on radio or as television programming. The name soap opera stems from the original dramatic serials broadcast on radio that had soap manufacturers, such as Procter & Gamble,...
Coronation Street
Coronation Street
Coronation Street is a British soap opera set in Weatherfield, a fictional town in Greater Manchester based on Salford. Created by Tony Warren, Coronation Street was first broadcast on 9 December 1960...
, played by Rachel Leskovac
Rachel Leskovac
Rachel Leskovac is an Olivier award-nominated British actress best known for playing hairdresser Natasha Blakeman in the British soap opera Coronation Street.-Early life:...
. The character first appeared onscreen during the episode airing on 12 May 2008. On 29 April 2010, it was announced that Leskovac had been axed from the show after two years and would depart in "an exciting and dramatic storyline which will be an integral part of the build-up to Coronation Street's 50th anniversary". In May 2010 it was suggested that Natasha was to take her own life, after she is left heartbroken of the break-up of her relationship with Nick Tilsley
Nick Tilsley
Nicholas Paul "Nick" Tilsley is a fictional character in the British soap opera Coronation Street. Originally known as "Nicky", he was the first-born child of Brian Tilsley and Gail Platt , and has been portrayed by three different actors. Warren Jackson from 1981 to 1996, then by Adam Rickitt...
, however, this never materialised and Natasha made her last appearance on 27 September 2010.
Casting
The news of the character first surfaced in the tabloid Daily Mirror and reported that former Holby CityHolby City
Holby City, stylised as Holby Ci+y, is a British medical drama television series that airs weekly on BBC One.The series was created by Tony McHale and Mal Young as a spin-off from the established BBC medical drama Casualty, and premiered on 12 January 1999...
actress Rachel Leskovac
Rachel Leskovac
Rachel Leskovac is an Olivier award-nominated British actress best known for playing hairdresser Natasha Blakeman in the British soap opera Coronation Street.-Early life:...
was to take on the role, with a Coronation Street spokesman confirming it: "Rachel's very well known in TV land as she has been in countless series and dramas. To have her new character in the salon is a smashing coup." The actress stated in an interview that she only felt really part of the backstage family when her character became more involved with central storylines saying: "Last year, it was a bit sporadic because I wasn't in for weeks on end, so every time I came back it felt like my first day again. It's only now in the new year that it's started to feel like I'm part of the family!".
Character development
The character of Natasha has been described as a typical 'ditzy blonde' by newspaper The Sun. In an interview actress Rachel Leskovac had a lot to say about her character's personality: "I'd say Natasha's a romantic. She likes to have fun and isn't malicious in the slightest. She loves her job, too. I think she's looking for love but not necessarily settling down at the minute, though.". Her take on the character she plays after one year in the show. The character tends to talk a lot and generally say anything that comes into her head. ITV publicity describe the characters typical ditzy blonde image, describe her as loving Scottish accents and the sound of her own voice and hating shellfish and dandruff.Storylines
In December 2008, Natasha informs Audrey (Sue NichollsSue Nicholls
Susan Frances Harmar Nicholls is an English actress, best known today for her long-running role as Audrey Roberts in British soap opera Coronation Street.-Early life:...
) that her sister-in-law has just given birth to her niece, Electra. She spots a good business opportunity in opening the salon for late night trading hours during the week, an idea to which Audrey agrees to.
Natasha is drafted in to style Molly Compton's (Vicky Binns
Vicky Binns
Victoria Jane "Vicky" Binns is an English actress who is best known for her two roles in the two veteran ITV soap operas Emmerdale and Coronation Street respectively. She had a lead role in 'Von trapped' opposite Caroline Quentine and also appeared in Children's Ward playing a character named...
) hair for her wedding day in January 2009. In February 2009, she flirts with Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson
Simon Gregson
Simon Gregson is an English actor. He is known for being a cast member of the British soap opera Coronation Street in which he has played Steve McDonald since 1989....
) in the Rovers and later asks him out on a date. Steve is jealous of Jason Grimshaw
Jason Grimshaw
Jason Grimshaw, is a fictional character in the UK television ITV soap opera, Coronation Street. Portrayed by actor Ryan Thomas, the character first appeared during the episode airing on 25 December 2000, when he comes looking for mother Eileen at the Battersbys' home.Jason is very much the...
(Ryan Thomas
Ryan Thomas
Ryan James Thomas and is an English actor who is currently starring as the character, Jason Grimshaw on ITV's Coronation Street.-Career:...
) and Becky Granger's (Katherine Kelly
Katherine Kelly (actress)
Katherine Kelly, is a British actress and recording artist who is most well known for playing Becky McDonald in the ITV soap opera Coronation Street. She has also starred in the film Mischief Night.-Early life and career:...
) relationship at the time, but reluctantly agrees to go out with Natasha. Though Natasha isn't impressed with Steve, for their date they sit in and eat a takeaway, she tells him that there are no hard feelings.
In February 2009, it is revealed that businessman Tony Gordon
Tony Gordon
Anthony "Tony" Gordon was a fictional character in the itv soap opera Coronation Street, portrayed by actor Gray O'Brien. The character first appeared on screen on 16 September 2007 and making his final appearance on 9 June 2010 after deciding to sacrifice himself in the Underworld fire. He is a...
(Gray O'Brien
Gray O'Brien
Gray O'Brien is a Scottish television and film actor, best known for his portrayal of the villainous Weatherfield businessman Tony Gordon in the popular British soap opera Coronation Street from 2007 to 2010, and as Dr Richard McCaig on Casualty from 1996 to 1998.O'Brien was born in Stewarton,...
) is to bed Natasha, providing the character with her first major storyline. On 23 March 2009, Natasha pays Tony a visit. The two kiss passionately at first, Natasha does most of the talking, while Tony sits silently. Towards the end of the visit he begins to soften towards her; as she leaves he tells her to stop and take her coat off, the pair subsequently have sex. Natasha is in good spirits following her passion with Tony and gloats about it to colleague Maria Connor (Samia Smith
Samia Smith
Samia Maxine Ghadie , is an English actress best known for playing Maria Connor in the ITV Soap Coronation Street.-Early life:...
) who is beginning to secretly harbour feelings for Tony. Maria tries to warn Natasha away from him claiming that he will treat her badly and even tries setting her up with Tom Kerrigan (Philip McGinley
Philip McGinley
Philip McGinley is an English actor, best known for playing the role Tom Kerrigan in Coronation Street.- Biography :...
) but to no avail as Natasha has set her sights firmly on Tony.
Some months later Natasha begins to become suspicious of the amount of time that Tony is spending with Maria. Consumed by jealousy, Natasha tells Maria that he is only paying her attention because he is feeling sorry for her. Tony is furious when he discovers what Natasha has said which leads to a heated showdwon between the couple and they subsequently separate. Natasha tries to warn her friend Maria about Tony's 'dark side' but she refuses to listen. It is only months later when Tony is revealed as the murderer of Maria's husband Liam Connor
Liam Connor
Liam Barrington Connor is a fictional character from the British ITV1 soap opera Coronation Street, played by Rob James-Collier from 2006 to 2008.-Creation:...
(Rob James-Collier
Rob James-Collier
Robert James-Collier is a British actor and model. He is known for his roles as Liam Connor in Coronation Street and as Thomas on Downton Abbey.- Background :James-Collier was born in Stockport, Greater Manchester...
) that Maria accepts what Natasha had tried to tell her.
In April 2010, Natasha finds herself attracting the unwanted attention of Graeme Proctor
Graeme Proctor
Graeme Proctor is a fictional character in the UK television ITV soap opera, Coronation Street. Portrayed by actor Craig Gazey, the character first appeared onscreen during the episode airing on 18 April 2008....
(Craig Gazey
Craig Gazey
Craig Gazey is an award-winning English actor.He attended Eggbuckland Community College up until 1998, where he attended City College Plymouth, studying a BTEC National Diploma in Performing Arts. He then went on to attend Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama and graduated in 2005...
). She is amused at his attempts to woo her, however, she discovers that he is using similar tactics with Rosie Webster
Rosie Webster
Rosie Webster is a fictional character in the British television ITV soap opera, Coronation Street. The character first appeared onscreen during the episode airing on 24 December 1990. Originally portrayed by actress Emma Collinge from her birth until December 1999, the character has since been...
(Helen Flanagan
Helen Flanagan
Helen Joyce Flanagan is a British actress best known for playing Rosie Webster in the ITV soap opera Coronation Street.Flanagan has played Rosie Webster in Coronation Street since 2000, when she was ten years old....
). They both decide to teach him a lesson; Natasha feigns interest in Graeme and meets him for a drink at the Rovers where she playfully flirts with him. When she asks him about Rosie, he states that she is a bimbo and that he has no interest in her. At that moment, Rosie comes up behind him and pours a pint over his head much to the amusement of the pub.
In the same month, Natasha sets her sights on Audrey's grandson Nick Tilsley
Nick Tilsley
Nicholas Paul "Nick" Tilsley is a fictional character in the British soap opera Coronation Street. Originally known as "Nicky", he was the first-born child of Brian Tilsley and Gail Platt , and has been portrayed by three different actors. Warren Jackson from 1981 to 1996, then by Adam Rickitt...
(Ben Price
Ben Price
Ben Price is a British actor, best known for playing the third incarnation of Nick Tilsley in the ITV soap opera, Coronation Street...
) and he agrees to go out with her, after she makes her interest in him clear. However, after he cancels several of their dates, she angrily confronts him in Underworld and he is impressed by her feisty personality and begins to take their relationship more seriously. After a while, Natasha begins to feel increasingly more exiled by Nick and his family, firstly by Nick's mother Gail (Helen Worth
Helen Worth
Helen Worth is an English actress, best known for her portrayal of the Coronation Street character Gail McIntyre- Early life :...
)'s cold response towards her upon her release from prison and by Nick as he continually puts business matters before their relationship. Eagar to settle down, Natasha suggests that they could move into a place of their own, however, Nick is still preoccupied with business woes, as Underworld has recently burned down, and virtually ignores Natasha. Becoming insecure over his dealings with ex-wife Leanne Battersby
Leanne Battersby
Leanne Anika Barlow is a fictional character on the soap opera Coronation Street. Portrayed by actress Jane Danson, the character first appeared onscreen during the episode airing on 4 July 1997....
(Jane Danson
Jane Danson
Jane Danson is an English actress, most famous for playing the role of Leanne Battersby in Coronation Street.-Acting:...
), she lends him £3,000 to pay for new business premises and secure the future of the factory in an attempt to please him.
In July 2010, while organising a surprise 70th birthday party for Audrey, Natasha discovers that her boss is considering retirement from the salon. Ambitious to own her own business, Natasha suggests to Audrey at the party that she should sell the salon to her. She is incredulous when Audrey tells her that Maria, who has just moved back from Ireland, has also offered to buy the business. Natasha's feelings of insecurity are further heightened by Nick's devious half-brother David Platt
David Platt (Coronation Street)
David Daniel Platt is a fictional character in the UK television ITV soap opera, Coronation Street. The character first appeared onscreen during the episode airing on 26 December 1990 and is portrayed by actor Jack P...
(Jack P. Shepherd
Jack P. Shepherd
Jack Peter Shepherd is an English actor. He plays David Platt in the ITV1 soap opera Coronation Street. He joined the show in April 2000, taking over the role from Thomas Ormson.Shepherd was born in Pudsey, Leeds, West Yorkshire....
) who informs her that Maria was once engaged to Nick and that she is just one of many women whom Nick has been involved with.
Despairing that Nick is still not completely committed to moving into an apartment with her, Natasha's problems are further exacerbated when she discovers on 9 August 2010 that she is pregnant with his baby. Before she has a chance to tell Nick, he ends their relationship as he sees her as being too needy. Later when Natasha misinterprets a situation between Nick and Leanne at the factory, she reveals to Nick that she is pregnant. Furious that she didn't tell him sooner, Nick storms away, which results in Natasha having an abortion
Abortion
Abortion is defined as the termination of pregnancy by the removal or expulsion from the uterus of a fetus or embryo prior to viability. An abortion can occur spontaneously, in which case it is usually called a miscarriage, or it can be purposely induced...
. However, Nick later changes his mind about Natasha and tells her that he wants them to be family, much to her secret horror, nevertheless, she pretends that she is still pregnant. Events further spiral out of control when Nick announces her pregnancy in the Rovers.
After Natasha steals Fiz Stape (Jennie McAlpine
Jennie McAlpine
Jennie Elizabeth McAlpine is a British television actress and comedienne. She is best known for her role as Fiz Stape in the well known British soap opera Coronation Street.-Early life:...
)'s baby scan picture and passes it off as her own, she breaks down and confesses the truth to Fiz after she figures out what Natasha has done. Seeing how she is starting to lose control, Fiz urges her to tell Nick the truth. Just as she walks into the factory to tell him, Nick proposes to her, which she immediately accepts, much to Fiz's indignation. In the meanwhile, Gail has grown suspicious of her future daughter-in-law, and looks up her records at the medical centre and sees that Natasha has had an abortion. After being told by Nick that she will always be second best to Leanne and being ordered to move out, she attempts to commit suicide by taking an overdose of prescription drugs. Nick finds her unconscious and rushes her to the hospital, where she recovers and Nick tells her he is sorry and that they will try again once she is better.
Natasha is discharged from hospital the next morning, and stays at Audrey's house, while she recovers. While there, Nick arrives with some flowers, he asks if she wants them to try again for another baby, much to her surprise and delight. After Nick leaves, Audrey and Natasha have a heart-to-heart, and Natasha realises that Nick no longer loves her, and he is only trying to be nice because he feels sorry for her. She leaves Audrey's, and heads back to Weatherfield to take her revenge on all those who misunderstood or were horrible to her. During her visit, she berates Leanne for being a catalyst in her break-up with Nick and tells David that Tina McIntyre
Tina McIntyre
Tina McIntyre is a fictional character in the British ITV soap opera Coronation Street. Portrayed by actress Michelle Keegan, the character first appeared on screen during the episode airing on 7 January 2008...
(Michelle Keegan
Michelle Keegan
Michelle Elizabeth Keegan is an English actress who currently plays Tina McIntyre in the soap opera Coronation Street.-Biography:...
) will never love him as he has no heart or feelings. She also goes to Underworld and causes chaos by telling all the workers Nicks' special 'nicknames' for them all, and saving best for last, she gets Gail sacked from her job at the Medical Centre by revealing to Dr. Carter (Oliver Mellor
Oliver Mellor
Oliver Mellor is a British actor and former personal trainer, perhaps best known for playing the role of Dr. Matt Carter in ITV soap opera Coronation Street since 20 August 2010.-Personal life:...
) how Gail broke the rules of patient confidentiality by hacking into private medical records, her last words to Gail are 'Hope you have a Nice Life Gail, ooh look, I had my fingers crossed' before leaving. An empowered but tearful Natasha then leaves Weatherfield in the back of a cab as Nick looks on.
Reception
Ruth Deller of entertainment website LowcultureLowculture
lowculture.co.uk is a UK television website founded in January 2003 by Paul Lang, who currently works as the art director of Doctor Who Adventures.-Purpose:...
, who runs a monthly column on the most popular and unpopular soap opera characters, including Natasha, attributing her rise in popularity, stating: "A fairly new addition to Weatherfield, Natasha is proving so far very likeable. This could all change, but for now, we’re loving her work." Deborah Ross of The Independent
The Independent
The Independent is a British national morning newspaper published in London by Independent Print Limited, owned by Alexander Lebedev since 2010. It is nicknamed the Indy, while the Sunday edition, The Independent on Sunday, is the Sindy. Launched in 1986, it is one of the youngest UK national daily...
described her as having "trapped a man by pretending to be pregnant" before adding that "Obviously, she cannot think nine months ahead".
External links
- Character profile at itv.comItv.comitv.com is the main website of ITV plc, the UK's largest commercial television broadcaster which operates 11 out of 15 regions on the ITV network under the ITV1 brand. The website offers on-line streaming, ITV archive, news, sport, entertainment, games, soaps, lifestyle, drama and an interactive TV...