Natalie Price

Name: Natalie Price
First Appeared: 18th January 1994
Last Appeared: 10th May 2004
Played by: Lucy Speed

Natalie Price had quite the dramatic journey in Albert Square, filled with tumultuous relationships and family drama. Growing up, Natalie had a rough time with her parents’ separation, favouring her absent father and enduring the favouritism her mother showed to her sister, Susie. This rocky family dynamic left its mark, making Natalie’s move to Walford and friendship with Bianca Jackson a welcome escape. However, even in her friendship with Bianca, Natalie often felt like the third wheel, especially when Tiffany Raymond was around.

Natalie first arrived in Walford in January 1994, where she quickly became known for her mischievous antics and tendency to entice Bianca into trouble. But things took a serious turn when she began an affair with Bianca’s boyfriend, Ricky Butcher, in 1995. For Natalie, it was true love, but Ricky didn’t see it the same way. When Bianca discovered their affair, Natalie was left heartbroken and humiliated, leading her to leave Walford temporarily.

In 1999, Natalie returned to Walford as a confident businesswoman running a dating agency. She struck up a romance with Barry Evans, much to the annoyance of Bianca, but they eventually made peace. Natalie and Barry married on New Year’s Eve 1999, despite interference from Natalie’s overbearing mother. Their marriage faced challenges, especially with the arrival of Barry’s half-brother, Nathan, who tried to sabotage their relationship. Despite these obstacles, the couple had a son, Jack, in 2002. However, Natalie grew increasingly unhappy with Barry’s immaturity.

By 2003, feeling stifled and trapped, Natalie rekindled her affair with Ricky and planned to leave with him, but their plans were ruined by Janine Butcher. Natalie ended things with Ricky and left Barry, who was later manipulated and killed by Janine. Suspecting foul play, Natalie tried to prove Janine’s guilt but was unsuccessful. Devastated by Barry’s death and unable to bring Janine to justice, Natalie left Walford in 2004. She briefly returned to witness Janine’s incarceration for another crime and made peace with Barry’s death before leaving once again, this time for good.