Natalie Bassingthwaighte will host Australia’s first-ever virtual Christmas carols

She moved from Melbourne to Byron Bay at the height of the coronavirus pandemic.

And two months on from settling into the trendy coastal town with her family, Natalie Bassingthwaighte is on the move again.

The former Neighbours star, who shot to fame for her role as Isabelle ‘Izzy’ Hoyland, is on her way to Sydney to help kickstart the festive season.

The 45-year-old will be hosting Australia’s first-ever virtual carols event, called The Bestest Virtual Christmas Carols, with the aim to bring joy to families nationwide affected by COVID-19.

‘I feel like it’ll bring a real comfort to people who have had a very tough year and have struggled a lot,’ Natalie told Daily Mail Australia on Wednesday.

‘Coming together and being able to sing along with Christmas carols… it’s hard not to put a smile on your face, and be grateful and appreciate everything that you do have.’

While the mother-of-two hoped it would help Australians forget about the ‘tough times that have played out’ this year, she is thrilled to get back on stage and have some normality back in the entertainment industry.

‘I feel like a piece of you is missing when you don’t get to see live music or go and watch a show,’ Natalie said.

‘I’m ready to get back on stage. I’m ready to start hosting again, and to be able to go and see shows as well.

‘I can imagine [many others] are in the exact same head space as mine – they’re ready.’ 

The Bestest Virtual Christmas Carols will premiere at 6.30pm on December 6, streaming via Instagram live on the Best&Less page.

It will raise awareness for The Smith Family and money for Drought Angels, and feature performances from The Voice winner Chris Sebastian, former Australia’s Got Talent judge Timomatic and children’s entertainers, The Fairies. 

‘I just think it’s going to be a special event,’ Natalie said. ‘It’s going to be pretty exciting because you know there hasn’t been many performances this year.

‘So much has shut down so to be able to kind of bring that to all the families in Australia is going to be pretty special.’