Natalie To Leave
9th April 2006
While it's been rumoured for a several months, reports today confirm that
Natalie Bassingthwaighte (who plays
Izzy Hoyland) is to leave Neighbours this year.
The exact date for Natalie's departure is June 2nd 2006, after which she will stop filming. Given the nature of filming the show, it will be a few months after her official departure until her character disappears from Neighbours in Australia (and a month or so after that until Izzy leaves U.K screens).
Offering a degree of insight into her decision to leave Natalie Bassingthwaighte has explained that leaving Neighbours will give her time to pursue other acting roles and prevents her becoming typecast as she felt she would if she'd continued as her character in Neighbours.
Whilst not mentioned, her departure from the show will also free up time for her to continue as the lead singer in the increasingly popular Australian electro dance band the
Rogue Traders.