AWARD-winning soap actress Natalie Gumede is turning her hand to comedy — portraying an equally unhinged character.

Burnley-born Natalie walked away with the best dramatic performance and villain of the year at the British Soap Awards for her turn as the deranged former policewoman Kirsty Soames in Coronation Street.

But the former Park High School student is now proving her acting ability in a different medium, as part of a new web comedy series.

The 29-year-old is playing life coach Sally in a new four-parter by writer-director Daniel Johnson, who was captivated by Natalie’s versatility as an actress.

He said: “Seeing her as Kirsty was always interesting to me because it was so unlike who she really was — which gives you an idea of her talent as an actor.

“I think Natalie is even more at home with comedy — she has incredible instincts and timing, and I think in the future we will see her doing a lot more comedy. I'm really happy to show people that side of her, because she’s hilarious.

“She has the incredible ability to have you in hysterics one moment, and deeply moved the next — I’ve never seen anything like it.

“Her work in this web-series is a really special thing. She’s the best actor I know and I can’t wait till you see her as Sally.”

Perhaps a world away from the twisted outlook of Kirsty Soames, Sally is said to be a beacon of positivity and hope.

Natalie left the soap last spring after her character’s on-screen abuse storyline with Tyrone Dobbs swept the board at a host of awards nights.

The trailer for ‘Sally The Life Coach’ is now online at www.danieljohnsonfilms.co.uk