Natalie (2019 character)

Natalie was the woman who met with Robert Sugden and Aaron Dingle in 2019, to discuss being their surrogate.

In April, Aaron contacted Natalie to invite her over so the couple could get to know her. As Robert is about to head to Liverpool to collect his son Seb, a frantic Aaron returns home and reveals Natalie is coming over soon. Meanwhile, Natalie arrives at the pub, asking for directions to Mill Cottage. There she meets Aaron's grandmother, Faith Dingle, who realises who she is and informs Aaron she's there. Aaron orders his gran to stall her as Robert still isn't back yet. While waiting for Aaron and Robert to arrive Faith and Bear Wolf, spin a tale of Aaron owning a chain of garages whilst Robert's family owns half of Yorkshire and runs a multi-national haulage company. When Aaron and Robert finally arrive in the pub to meet Natalie, Faith admits she and Bear may have exaggerated things a bit and Aaron apologises.

The following week, Natalie arrives at Robert and Aaron's place to meet them and Aaron's sister Liv Flaherty. As Natalie looks through Aaron and Robert's wedding album, she enquires about Seb then asks how long Aaron and Robert have been together which leads to an awkward explanation of the circumstances surrounding Seb's conception. Natalie asks Aaron and Robert if they've been in bother with the police and is shocked to learn Aaron has been in prison three times, including once for GBH. Natalie asks if there's anything else. Robert assures her there's nothing, but not convinced by Robert's reassurances, Natalie questions if she would hear anything dodgy about them if she knocked on any door in the village. Their silence gives Natalie her answer, so she makes her excuses and leaves.

Aaron, Robert and Liv follow Natalie as she walks back to her car and beg her to hear them out. Natalie informs Aaron and Robert she has doubts about the kind of future they could provide a child and then walks away. However, Faith approaches Natalie and insists she can't back out now. Natalie reluctantly agrees and Aaron's mother Chas promises Natalie that Aaron has turned his life around and is a fantastic young man resulting in Natalie realising she jumped the gun a bit. Faith states Aaron and Robert were just being honest and assures her she won't find a better couple to bring up a child. Natalie then agrees to talk to Aaron and Robert again. However, moments later, Liv enters the pub and begins mouthing off at Natalie. By the time Aaron and Robert arrive in the pub, Natalie has changed her mind again thanks to Liv. Liv admits to Natalie that she went too far but states she was only sticking up for her family. Aaron takes Liv's side insisting his little sister's intentions were good. Later, as Aaron, Robert and Liv walk up Main Street, they're surprised to see Natalie. She tells them that she was impressed by how they stuck up for each other in the pub and agrees to be their surrogate.

List of appearances

 * Tue 16th Apr (2)
 * Tue 23rd Apr (1)
 * Tue 23rd Apr (2)