Natalie Bassingthwaighte received VILE threat over Neighbours storyline

EXCLUSIVE: Neighbours star Natalie Bassingthwaighte reveals the VILE threat she received after her character Izzy had an affair with Dr Karl Kennedy

Former Neighbours star Natalie Bassingthwaighte has revealed she was inundated with hate mail for playing Ramsay’s Street’s most infamous homewrecker, Izzy Hoyland.

The 45-year-old actress revealed this week how an obsessed fan once sent her a two-page letter saying she deserved to die of incurable disease – ‘preferably cancer’ – simply because her character had an affair with Dr Karl Kennedy (Alan Fletcher). 

‘That was probably the most full-on [item of hate mail] and at the time I was like “Wow, that’s so intense!” but I guess people are just so passionate about the show,’ she told Daily Mail Australia.

Abuse: Former Neighbours star Natalie Bassingthwaighte has revealed she was inundated with hate mail for playing Ramsay’s Street’s most infamous homewrecker, Izzy Hoyland. As fans of the show will remember, Izzy had an affair with the married Dr Karl Kennedy (Alan Fletcher)

‘People are really drawn to the characters and they feel very connected to them. Like, Karl was their dad and Susan was their mum. Everyone felt like it was their mum and dad Izzy was breaking up,’ Natalie explained.

‘You know you’re playing a character and it’s a just a bit of fun, and you’re doing your job and hopefully doing it well, but for some people, they took it to the next level.’

The hate mail, did not deter Natalie from returning to the soap in 2018 after a decade-long hiatus, however.

When asked whether she would ever come back for a third run, the mother of two said: ‘Never say never. I did say before I wouldn’t, so you never say never. But at this stage, I’m just looking forward to some really new different exciting adventures.

‘I’m really excited about next year. I cannot wait to share what I’ve been up to in the last little bit. Nothing I can spill the beans on at this point, but I’m excited.’

'People are really drawn to the characters and they feel very connected to them... [and] everyone felt like it was their mum and dad Izzy was breaking up,' Natalie told Daily Mail Australia. Pictured: Natalie as Izzy and Alan Fletcher as Dr Karl Kennedy on Neighbours

‘People are really drawn to the characters and they feel very connected to them… [and] everyone felt like it was their mum and dad Izzy was breaking up,’ Natalie told Daily Mail Australia. Pictured: Natalie as Izzy and Alan Fletcher as Dr Karl Kennedy on Neighbours

Could she be coming back AGAIN? When pressed about whether Natalie (pictured) would appear on Neighbours for a third time after reappearing on the soap opera in 2018, she told Daily Mail Australia to 'never say never'

Could she be coming back AGAIN? When pressed about whether Natalie (pictured) would appear on Neighbours for a third time after reappearing on the soap opera in 2018, she told Daily Mail Australia to ‘never say never’

‘I’ve been fortunate enough that when we weren’t able to do too much [during the coronavirus pandemic] I have quite a good little run the last few months,’ she added.

One of Natalie’s upcoming projects is hosting Australia’s first-ever virtual carols event, called The Bestest Virtual Christmas Carols, in December. 

‘I feel like it will bring a real comfort to people who have had a very tough year and have struggled a lot,’ she told Daily Mail Australia. 

Jingle all the way: Natalie will 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 will host Australia’s first-ever virtual Christmas carols in a bid to bring joy to families nationwide affected by COVID-19

‘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.’

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

The event is supporting The Smith Family, a non-profit children’s charity, and Drought Angels, which helps out struggling farmers.

It will feature performances from The Voice winner Chris Sebastian, former Australia’s Got Talent judge Timomatic and children’s entertainers The Fairies.

'I'm really excited about next year. I cannot wait to share what I've been up to in the last little bit. Nothing I can spill the beans on at this point but I'm excited,' Natalie (pictured) said

‘I’m really excited about next year. I cannot wait to share what I’ve been up to in the last little bit. Nothing I can spill the beans on at this point but I’m excited,’ Natalie (pictured) said

Leave a Comment