Me and my London: Natalie Dew

Natalie Dew made her name on stage, with her performance in Bend It Like Beckham being nominated for Olivier and Evening Standard awards.

Now the rising star is burning up the screen in shows such as Sandylands and The Great. 

Dew's talents aren't merely thespian – she won a tap dancing competition aged ten. Strictly, take note. 

The actress found the time to chat about her career and her favourite London haunts.   

What upcoming project(s) are you most excited about?

I have just had a show come out (don’t worry you can still catch up!) called “Sandylands”which I’ve been very excited about coming out.

I also worked on a show called “The Great”, which I think will be pretty special.

What is your proudest professional accomplishment?

Oh blimey. That’s tough. Probably “Bend It Like Beckham” the musical. Mainly because I couldn’t hold a football let alone kick one and then I learnt how to do keeps uppies (I can’t do them anymore but I have video proof!).

Also singing and doing a show like that eight times a week was a pretty amazing endurance test.

If you could change one thing about your career, what would it be?

When I was younger I got asked to audition for one of the Patil twins in Harry Potter. I said no. Obviously I then grew up loving it and annoyed at myself. I could have had my own wand.

What do you hope to achieve that you haven’t yet?

I guess I hope to just work. Work consistently. I know that maybe sounds a bit naff, but it’s the hardest thing about being an actor, the highs and lows. I’d love to achieve consistency.

Outside of your family, who is / was your biggest inspiration?

I have brilliant friends who inspire me daily. I know that’s cheating because you said outside of family and I’ve picked friends, but I’m going to pretend that’s allowed.

Tell us something nobody knows about you…

That nobody knows?! I once won a tap competition when I was about 10. I never managed to repeat that.

My London

What do you love most about London?

The diversity. I love that mix of people and stories and food. I feel so lucky to be part of a community that has such a rich range of cultures.

What would you change about London?

I’d get rid of buses and make a massive tram system that went everywhere in central London. So everywhere central would be pedestrian apart from the trams.

What is your favourite London pub / bar?

Ooooo. There’s a pub called The Angel in Bermondsey. That’s right by the river and has amazing statues, one is a cat, I love cats. That’s a great pub.

What is your favourite London restaurant?

Ok here we go: Rasa(The veggie one), Roti King and Testi for the best lamb ribs. Sorry had to do three.

Where would you take someone on a London date?

Probably a Hampstead Heath walk followed by a roast in The Holly Bush.

If you’re visiting London, what’s the one thing you MUST do?

I’d say visit Columbia flower market when it’s closing so you can pick up some good deals and pretty flowers.

Sandylands is available now On Demand and via NOWTV