Why Ex-Neighbours star Natalie Bassingthwaighte never changed her lengthy surname

EXCLUSIVE: The surprising reason why former Neighbours star Natalie Bassingthwaighte refused to change her lengthy surname despite casting agents telling her she had to

Natalie Bassingthwaighte is one of the biggest stars to come out of Neighbours.

But 17 years on from first appearing on the popular soap as ‘Izzy’ Hoyland, many fans still have trouble spelling or even pronouncing her long surname. 

It was a worry the 45-year-old was faced with early on in her career, when she auditioned for parts to break into the world of showbiz and make a name for herself.

Wow! Natalie Bassingthwaighte (pictured), 45, revealed to Daily Mail Australia she ‘sort of contemplated’ changing her lengthy surname early on in her career

‘I was actually told that when I was younger and auditioning for things that I should probably change my name,’ the mother-of-two told Daily Mail Australia.

‘But even when I sort of contemplated it for a second it just felt too bizarre.’

Natalie confessed changing her surname would have left her feeling as if she was ‘pretending to be someone’ else.

‘I would laugh at myself if I had changed my name,’ she said. ‘Like I was pretending to be someone I’m not, so from that moment I was just like “it is what it is” and I’m proud of my name.’ 

Before she was famous: Natalie's lengthy surname was a worry she was faced with early on in her career, when she auditioned for parts to break into the world of showbiz and make a name for herself. Pictured: Natalie in her younger years with friend Todd O'Mara

Before she was famous: Natalie’s lengthy surname was a worry she was faced with early on in her career, when she auditioned for parts to break into the world of showbiz and make a name for herself. Pictured: Natalie in her younger years with friend Todd O’Mara 

Not for her: Natalie (pictured) confessed to Daily Mail Australia changing her surname would have left her feeling as if she was 'pretending to be someone'

Not for her: Natalie (pictured) confessed to Daily Mail Australia changing her surname would have left her feeling as if she was ‘pretending to be someone’

Natalie told Daily Mail Australia on Wednesday she would be hosting Australia’s first-ever virtual carols, called The Bestest Virtual Christmas Carols, with the aim to bring joy to families nationwide affected by COVID-19.

‘I feel like it’ll bring a real comfort to people who have had a very tough year and have struggled a lot,’ she said.

‘Coming together and being able to sing along with Christmas carols… it’s hard not to put a smile on your face, and be grateful and appreciate everything that you do have.’

Jingle all the way: Natalie's (pictured) comments follow revealing to Daily Mail Australia she would host Australia's first-ever virtual Christmas carols in a bid to bring joy to families nationwide affected by COVID-19

Jingle all the way: Natalie’s (pictured) comments follow revealing to Daily Mail Australia she would host Australia’s first-ever virtual Christmas carols in a bid to bring joy to families nationwide affected by COVID-19

While Natalie hoped it would help Australians forget about the ‘tough times that have played out’ this year, she is thrilled to get back on stage and have some normality back in the entertainment industry.

‘I feel like a piece of you is missing when you don’t get to see live music or go and watch a show,’ Natalie said. 

‘I’m ready to get back on stage. I’m ready to start hosting again, and to be able to go and see shows as well.’ 

'I feel like a piece of you is missing when you don't get to see live music or go and watch a show,' Natalie told Daily Mail Australia on Wednesday. 'I'm ready to get back on stage. I'm ready to start hosting again'

‘I feel like a piece of you is missing when you don’t get to see live music or go and watch a show,’ Natalie told Daily Mail Australia on Wednesday. ‘I’m ready to get back on stage. I’m ready to start hosting again’

The Bestest Virtual Christmas Carols will premiere at 6.30pm on December 6, streaming via Instagram live on the Best&Less page.

It will raise awareness for The Smith Family and money for Drought Angels, and feature performances from The Voice winner Chris Sebastian, former Australia’s Got Talent judge Timomatic and children’s entertainers, The Fairies.

Details: The Bestest Virtual Christmas Carols will premiere at 6.30pm on December 6, streaming via Instagram live on the Best&Less page

Details: The Bestest Virtual Christmas Carols will premiere at 6.30pm on December 6, streaming via Instagram live on the Best&Less page

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