Natalie Casey
Natalie Casey (born 15 April 1980) is an English actress, television presenter, singer, and voice-over artist from Lancashire.[1][2] Best known for her long-running television roles, she portrayed the character Carol Groves in the Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks from 1996 to 2000, appearing in 268 episodes as part of the show's early ensemble cast.[3][4] In 2001, she transitioned to comedy, starring as the brash and outspoken Donna Henshaw in the BBC Three sitcom Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, a role she played across all nine series until 2011, earning praise for her sharp comedic timing and emotional depth.[1][2][5] Beyond soap operas and sitcoms, Casey's career spans presenting and narration; she hosted the behind-the-scenes special 24: Access All Areas in 2003 and has provided voice work for various television projects.[6] In theatre, she has received acclaim for musical roles, including Miss Adelaide in a 2019 production of Guys and Dolls, where critics highlighted her "hilariously wry, deadpan manner" and ability to blend humor with underlying pathos.[7] In October 2025, Casey reprised her role as Carol Groves in Hollyoaks for the soap's 30th anniversary storyline, reuniting with former co-stars James Redmond and Nick Pickard for emotional episodes centered on Tony Hutchinson's wedding.[8][9]Early life and education
Early life
Natalie Casey was born on 15 April 1980 in Rawtenstall, Lancashire, England.[10] Her family background included working-class roots, with her parents operating market stalls in the local area.[11] She has an older sister, Anna-Jane Casey, who is also an actress and singer.[12] Casey spent her early childhood in Lancashire, where she gained her first taste of the entertainment world at the age of three. In 1983, she appeared on the BBC children's programme Saturday Superstore, performing her novelty single "Chick, Chick, Chicken," a rendition of the classic nursery rhyme that peaked at No. 72 on the UK Singles Chart the following year.[13] This made her one of the youngest artists to chart in the UK at the time.[14] During the live broadcast, she sat on the lap of guest Boy George and innocently asked him to take her to the toilet, under the impression that he was a woman due to his appearance.[15] These early experiences ignited Casey's interest in performing arts, which was further nurtured through participation in local drama workshops in Lancashire.[16]Education
Natalie Casey attended Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School in Lancashire during her secondary education.[16] From a young age, she participated in drama workshops, including training at the Oldham Theatre Workshop, where she developed early acting and performance skills.[17][16] Casey did not pursue formal higher education in drama or attend drama school, instead building her expertise through these workshops and subsequent practical experience in the industry.[16]Career
Music
Natalie Casey's early exposure to music came through her family's involvement in the performing arts, particularly influenced by her older sister, Anna-Jane Casey, a seasoned musical theatre actress who began her professional career as a teenager. Growing up in Rawtenstall, Lancashire, Casey was immersed in a household that valued performance, which sparked her initial interest in singing and entertainment from a very young age.[16] At the age of three, in December 1983, Casey released her debut single, "Chick Chick Chicken," a novelty rendition of the traditional nursery rhyme, on Polydor Records. The track entered the UK Singles Chart on 24 December 1983, peaking at number 72 and remaining on the chart for three weeks, marking her as the youngest recording artist to achieve a chart position in the UK at that time.[18][19] Produced with a playful, child-friendly arrangement, the single featured Casey performing alongside session musicians and was backed by "Natalie's Disco Nursery," a medley of children's songs.[13] To promote the release, Casey appeared on popular children's television programs in the early 1980s, including performing the single on BBC's Saturday Superstore and Top of the Pops, where her youthful energy captivated audiences.[10] These appearances highlighted her as a precocious talent in the UK's novelty music scene for young performers during that era. Following her childhood success, Casey's involvement in music waned as she transitioned into acting, with no major recording releases as an adult and her musical activities limited thereafter to occasional stage performances in musical theatre productions.[20]Television
| Year(s) | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1996–2000, 2025 | Hollyoaks | Carol Groves | 268 episodes; reprised role for 30th anniversary special in 2025[21] |
| 1998 | Hollyoaks: Off On One | Carol Groves | Miniseries special[22] |
| 2001 | The Big Breakfast | Herself | Guest co-presenter |
| 2001–2011 | Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps | Donna Henshaw | 80 episodes |
| 2001–2002 | Big Brother's Little Brother | Herself | Co-presenter (reality TV companion show)[23] |
| 2009 | Missing | Gemma Winter | 1 episode[24] |
| 2010s | Loose Women | Herself | Guest appearances (multiple episodes)[25] |
| 2010s | This Morning | Herself | Guest appearances (multiple episodes)[26] |
| 2022 | Agatha Raisin | Maggie Tubby | 1 episode, "Spoonful of Poison" |
Theatre
Natalie Casey's theatre career spans musicals, comedies, and contemporary plays, showcasing her versatility in ensemble and leading roles across West End, touring, and regional productions. Her stage work often highlights her comedic timing and vocal prowess, particularly in character-driven narratives that blend humor with emotional depth. She made her professional stage debut in 2007 as Serena Katz in a revival of Fame – The Musical at London's Shaftesbury Theatre, where she portrayed the ambitious drama student alongside Ian 'H' Watkins.[27] This role marked her entry into major musical theatre, earning praise for her energetic performance in the show's high-energy dance sequences.[28] Following this, Casey took on the lead role of Julia in the 2008 UK tour of The Wedding Singer, a musical adaptation of the Adam Sandler film, opposite Jonathan Wilkes as Robbie Hart.[29] Her portrayal of the sweet-natured waitress navigating romantic entanglements was noted for its charm and relatable warmth. In 2009, she appeared as the flirtatious Ado Annie in a critically acclaimed production of Oklahoma! at Chichester Festival Theatre, directed by Timothy Sheader, where her comedic delivery in numbers like "I Cain't Say No" added vibrancy to the ensemble.[30] Casey's breakthrough came in 2011 when she joined the West End cast of Legally Blonde at the Savoy Theatre as Paulette Buonofonté, the sassy hairdresser and Elle Woods' confidante, succeeding Denise van Outen and performing through the show's closure in 2012.[31] Her interpretation of the role, filled with exaggerated mannerisms and heartfelt support for the protagonist, received positive reviews for injecting fresh humor into the production.[32] This extended run solidified her presence in the West End musical scene. Subsequent roles further demonstrated her range. In the 2012 revival of Mike Leigh's Abigail's Party at the Menier Chocolate Factory (transferring to Wyndham's Theatre), she played the bubbly Angela, earning the 2013 WhatsOnStage Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Play for her sharp comedic timing and portrayal of suburban awkwardness.[33] From late 2012 to 2013, she starred as the timid yet empowering Judy Bernly in the UK tour of 9 to 5: The Musical, based on Dolly Parton's film, opposite Jackie Clune and Amy Lennox, highlighting themes of workplace feminism through her character's transformative arc.[34] In 2017, Casey took on the role of Pip Price, the eldest daughter grappling with career and family pressures, in Frantic Assembly's production of Andrew Bovell's Things I Know to Be True at the Lyric Hammersmith, contributing to the play's exploration of familial secrets and physicality in staging.[35] In 2019, Casey starred as Miss Adelaide in a revival of Guys and Dolls at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre, receiving acclaim for her hilariously wry, deadpan performance that blended humor with underlying pathos in songs like "Adelaide's Lament."[36] She returned to the Crucible in 2022 for Rock / Paper / Scissors, playing the opinionated and ambitious Susie Spencer in this new play by Anders Lustgarten.[37] Casey has also collaborated with her sister, actress and singer Anna-Jane Casey, in select productions influenced by their shared family background in performance. Notably, both appeared in the 2017 West End revival of Richard Harris's Stepping Out at the Vaudeville Theatre, where Natalie joined the ensemble of amateur tap dancers, adding to the show's themes of camaraderie and self-discovery alongside Amanda Holden.[38]Personal life
Family and relationships
Natalie Casey grew up in Rawtenstall, Lancashire, in a supportive family environment where her parents, who worked as market stall traders, encouraged her early interest in performing arts. Her mother played a key role by driving her to auditions and filming locations in Liverpool during her teenage years, including waiting outside school when Casey skipped classes to take on her role in Hollyoaks.[16] Casey shares a close bond with her older sister, Anna-Jane Casey, a fellow actress whose career in musical theatre has provided mutual professional influences and inspiration from their shared family roots in Lancashire.[39][40] In 2011, Casey married actor Paul Kemp at St. Paul's Church in Covent Garden, London, a venue historically known as the Actors' Church due to its ties to the theatre community. The couple has since made their home in Greenwich, south London, maintaining a private family life with no children mentioned in public records.[41][42]Public profile and activities
Natalie Casey gained early visibility in reality television through her role as co-host of Big Brother's Little Brother from 2001 to 2002, alongside Dermot O'Leary, where she provided commentary and entertainment during the main Big Brother series broadcasts.[23] This presenting stint introduced her to a broader audience beyond acting, highlighting her engaging on-screen personality and contributing to her public persona as a versatile media figure.[43] In addition to her on-camera work, Casey has built a steady career in voice-over and narration, lending her voice to various animated and documentary projects. She voiced the character Tamgram and other roles in the children's animated series Spot Bots from 2016 to 2018, bringing energy to the show's puppet-based adventures.[44] Her narration credits extend to lifestyle series such as Dinner Date (2014–2023), where she guided contestants through culinary matchmaking, and more recent works including Agatha Raisin (2022) and Cash in the Attic (2022).[1] Following a period of high-profile acting in the 2000s and early 2010s, Casey adopted a more low-key approach to her public life, prioritizing privacy and selective engagements after stepping away from demanding television schedules.[45] This shift allowed her to maintain industry connections without constant media exposure, reflecting a deliberate choice for work-life balance in her career trajectory.[46] Casey continues to participate in key industry events, demonstrating ongoing ties to the television community. In September 2025, she attended the National Television Awards at The O2 Arena in London, appearing on the red carpet in a salmon-pink satin dress that drew commentary for its bold style.[47] Such appearances underscore her enduring presence in British entertainment circles despite her preference for a quieter personal profile.[48]Filmography
Television
| Year(s) | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1996–2000, 2025 | Hollyoaks | Carol Groves | 268 episodes; reprised role for 30th anniversary special in 2025[21] |
| 1998 | Hollyoaks: Off On One | Carol Groves | Miniseries special[22] |
| 1999 | Brookside: Double Take | Moria | Video special[49] |
| 2000–2001 | MTV Select | Herself | Presenter |
| 2001 | The Big Breakfast | Herself | Guest co-presenter |
| 2001–2011 | Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps | Donna Henshaw | 80 episodes |
| 2001–2002 | Big Brother's Little Brother | Herself | Co-presenter (reality TV companion show)[23] |
| 2009 | Missing | Gemma Winter | 1 episode[24] |
| 2010 | Changing Faces | Narrator | TV series[1] |
| 2010s | Loose Women | Herself | Guest appearances (multiple episodes)[25] |
| 2010s | This Morning | Herself | Guest appearances (multiple episodes)[26] |
| 2014–2023 | Dinner Date | Narrator | 242 episodes[50] |
| 2016–2018 | Spot Bots | Tangram | 52 episodes; voice role[51][52] |
| 2022– | Cash in the Attic | Narrator | Ongoing series as of 2025[53] |
| 2022 | Agatha Raisin | Maggie Tubby | 1 episode, "Spoonful of Poison" |