Natasha Wylde is a fictional character from the British soap opera Emmerdale played by Amanda Donohoe.
In one interview she defended soap actors and said that it is a "huge privilege" to be on the screen of "eight million people five days a week".
I am quite excited because I pretty much take over the village and cause a lot of trouble",[3] also saying in another interview that she was "flattered" to be asked to join the soap.
[2] In an interview with the Daily Express, the actress said that although she was flattered they wanted to create a role for her, it was "a hell of a challenge".
[4] Anita Turner, the series producer, said she was "thrilled to be welcoming two actors of such high calibre to the cast".
[3] Amanda Donohoe said that the Wyldes are "self-made millionaires, they're very well-to-do", and although not looking for retirement they do want a "break from the big city".
[4] Mark and Natasha first appear on horseback, going to meet Bishop George, who will give them the keys to St. Mary's Church and Home Farm, as they are the new owners.
All three head to The Woolpack, where they receive an unpleasant welcome, as the fact they bought the church means Ashley and Laurel Thomas were having to leave.
However, Natasha announces that they bought the church and vicarage to return it to the community – making them instantly popular.
Unaware of this and the fact that Faye was expecting their child, he moved to France and set up a new identity – Mark Wylde.
However, she insisted that Mark's past was kept a secret, paying Faye to leave after threatening to report her for insurance fraud.
Natasha, wanting them to leave, got Mark to arrange a job in Dubai for Ryan after he made friends with his half-brothers.
Eventually they realize they have romantic feelings for each other and, after Nathan sees them kissing, Ryan ends things with Katie and they start dating.
But listening to Mark talk about how he was tired of running, infuriated Natasha so much that she shot him and buried his body in the woods.
Natasha later arranges to meet Cain after Nathan tells her that he is the blackmailer and he demands money but she refuses.
Declan refuses Natasha and Nathan's offer to buy him out of Home Farm, believing that the Wyldes will soon be leaving.
Maisie returns and visits Natasha, demanding she explain why she is covering for Nathan, staying with Faye.
Natasha goes home to discover Will has returned from staying with a family friend and finds Cain in the kitchen.
Maisie calls the police, despite Natasha and Nathan's suggestions of a fresh start and telling Cain for forcing her to confess but she refuses.
On 24 November 2010, Natasha is sentenced to life imprisonment for Mark's murder and ordered by the judge to serve a minimum term of 21 years before being considered for parole.
Simon Swift, in his Soaplife blog criticised Emmerdale for not being "more radical" in their new characters, rather than having another "bitch" stereotype, although he said if Natasha was to "reach the heights of Kim Tate – we'll all be happy".