Actors - Lucy Speed

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	Actors - Lucy Speed

Lucy Speed (born December 03, 1977, in Warrington, Surrey) is a British actress, probably best known for her role as Natalie Evans in the BBC soap opera Eastenders.

The petite 5' (1.52 m) tall actress (born Lucy Rivers) was taught drama by Geraldine Gillman, founder of The Ashcroft Academy of Dramatic Art, in Peckham, London. Her first television role was in the BBC childrens drama 'Dogem' in 1991, fellow eastender Sean Maguire also starred. That same year she went on to secure the role of 'young Aurora' in the film Impromptu, which was about French pianist Frédéric Chopin and starred Hugh Grant.

Her big television break came in 1994 when she won the part of Natlie Price in the hit BBC soap Eastenders. She played the brow beaten best-friend of Bianca Jackson (played by Patsy Palmer) until 1995. In her intitial stint in the show her storylines centred around an affair between herself and Bianca's current boyfriend Ricky Butcher played by Sid Owen. Upon finding out about her best friends betrayal, Bianca forced Ricky to dump Natalie, and drove her out of Albert Square a year after her arrival. However in reality Lucy quit the hit soap as she felt overwhelmed and unprepared by all the press attention she received from being in such a high-profile show.

Away from the show Lucy continued to act. In 1995 she got the part of Nell Gwyn in the film about composer Henry Purcell called England, My England, where she worked alongside fellow eastender Letitia Dean. She also appeared in other films such as Metroland in 1997, Keep the Aspidistra Flying in 1997, and the academy award winning film Shakespeare in Love in 1998. Her television work included roles in BBC drama Dangerfield, BBC comedy Men Behaving Badly, hospital drama Casualty and The New Adventures of Robin Hood, which was shot in Lithuania. She also woked on a television series in America called Unsolved Mysteries, which was hosted by William Shatner.

However in 1999, Lucy returned to her role of Natalie Price in Eastenders, where she stayed until 2004. Her return was propmpted by fellow eastender Ross Kemp, who had kept in contact with Lucy since her departure and initiated contact between Lucy and then producer Matthew Robinson. Lucy's second stint in eastenders saw her character rekindle her friendship with one time enemy Bianca Jackson, and marry aimiable buffoon Barry Evans played by Shaun Williamson. However, as is customary in eastenders, all did not go smoothly, and despite the birth of son Jack, natalie couldn't keep her hands off old flame Ricky Butcher, and her marriage ended in painful divorce. During her last year on the show Lucy's character was involved in the unveiling of her ex-husbands killer Janine Evans played by Charlie Brooks. She also became romantically involved in a relationship with Janine's swindling accomplice Paul Trueman played by Gary Beadle. After discovering Paul's involvement in Barry's demise, Natalie packed her bags and left Walford for a second time.

Since quitting eastenders Lucy has kept busy, appearing in plays and television roles. She appeared in the BBC hospital drama Holby City in 2004; the Detective series Jericho in 2005; and most recently in the ITV police drama The Bill in 2006. Lucy has also appeared in television game shows such as Celebrity Ready, Steady, Cook, and Celebrity Weakest Link hosted by Anne Robinson.

Away from acting Lucy enjoys horse riding, Skiing, Ballet and Tap dancing. Lucy is also a big fan of animals owning a Horse, two Dogs and a Parrot. She is great friends with on-screen eastenders enemy, Charlie Brooks.

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