Natasha Wylde - Creation and Development

Creation and Development

The characters of Mark and Natasha Wylde were announced in September 2008, with Maxwell Caulfield and Amanda Donohoe announced as the actors portraying them. They started filming in October 2008, and were originally thought to be first appearing on 25 December 2008, but this was later changed to 15 January 2009.

The casting of Amanda Donohoe, a well-known name in the United Kingdom and a Golden Globe Award-winning actress, caused press interest with Donohoe doing many interviews prior to her character's first appearance. 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". Describing being asked to take the part, Donohoe said, "I would have been stupid to say no. I am quite excited because I pretty much take over the village and cause a lot of trouble", also saying in another interview that she was "flattered" to be asked to join the soap. 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". Anita Turner, the series producer, said she was "thrilled to be welcoming two actors of such high calibre to the cast".

Describing her character she said Natasha is "not a classic soap 'bitch'" and described her as "humorous, witty and strong" but would "rub people up the wrong way". 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". Donohoe said that the character is "a mum with three kids so she's not a single-minded, nasty person - she's witty and confident". Donohoe said the couple have been married for 25 years, and have two grown-up children and a nine-year old.