To say that Natalie Anderson has had a busy 2008 would be something of an understatement.

The Bradford actress and singer got married, released her debut album and single, filmed a video – then rounded off the year by getting killed off! Natalie, 26, best known as bubbly nurse Stella Davenport in ITV medical drama The Royal, left the series this year.

Earlier this month, millions of viewers watched as Nurse Stella crawled under the wreckage of a collapsed amusement arcade to try and rescue a young girl buried under the rubble.

Stella became trapped too, and when ambulance driver Frankie Robinson (Scott Taylor) went in after her, they faced a nail-biting wait for help – which didn’t come in time to escape a huge gas explosion.

Natalie had been in The Royal, filmed at St Luke’s Hospital in Bradford, for several years. She first shot to fame as a finalist on Pop Idol in 2001, alongside Gareth Gates and Will Young.

Natalie, of Guiseley, landed her first role aged 12, starring in a production of Alice In Wonderland at the Bradford Playhouse.

She went to Intake Theatre School in Leeds and then to the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, where she was presented with her degree by founder Sir Paul McCartney. She has appeared in such TV dramas as The Biz, Holby City, Wire In The Blood and Dalziel And Pascoe.

Last summer, Natalie married her long-term partner James Shepherd and in the autumn she released her debut album, Return To Me and the single Did I. She showcased tracks from her album at a mini tour in Bradford.

1. Describe your best moment(s) of the year

Getting married! Our wedding, at Rudding Park near Harrogate, was an amazing day and we have some lovely memories. Another highlight was buying my own album from HMV and singing one of my songs at the Royal Albert Hall. They were all amazing experiences. I’m very proud of the album – I’d describe it as Norah Jones but more poppy, and a bit Natalie Imbruglia and The Corrs. I wrote nine out of the 11 tracks; it’s been a real journey for me. I’ve set up my own record label, Shepherd Productions, and I’ve been able to work with producers and have a say on my music.

2. Your worst moment(s) of the year?

Losing my grandma and being told my grandad had lymphoma at the same time as him being involved in a traffic accident.

3. Who has helped you the most in 2008 and how?

My husband. He has supported me through the ups and downs of this year and has given me the confidence to believe in myself.

4. Did the year hold any surprises for you?

Yes, I never actually believed that by the end of this year I would have an album out.

5. Funniest memory of 2008?

Hearing Anne Robinson say: ‘Natalie you are the weakest link – goodbye’ when I was on The Weakest Link. It was funny but very terrifying too.

6. Favourite place/time of the year?

The Maldives. We spent part of our honeymoon there in the summer and it was pure bliss!

7. Has 2008 taught you anything?

That you can achieve whatever you want to if you put your heart and soul into it.

8. What you would like to see happen in 2009 on a personal/professional level and also in wider terms?

On a personal level, I would like my grandad to stay well and hope that his lymphoma treatment is successful. I would also like the rest of my family to be happy and healthy. On a professional level, I would like to continue singing and to start working on a new album later on in the year. I would also like to work on more TV dramas or films.

9. Any New Year resolutions?

To learn a new language!

10. Who would be your person of the year for 2008?

‘Team GB’ would be my 2008 people of the year for their amazing achievements at the Beijing Olympics last summer, but my person of the year would be James, my husband.