Charles Esther
Daniela Nardini, once one of Britain’s most recognizable TV faces thanks to her role as Anna Forbes in This Life, has since taken a remarkable turn in her career. Leaving behind the entertainment industry spotlight, she is now a qualified psychotherapist, using her personal experiences and empathy to support others on their mental health journeys.
From BAFTA Winner to BBC Icon
This Life first hit British screens in 1996 on BBC Two. Created by Amy Jenkins, the series followed the complicated lives of five law graduates navigating early adulthood in London. The ensemble cast—Amita Dhiri, Jack Davenport, Andrew Lincoln, Jason Hughes, and Daniela Nardini—earned widespread praise for their raw and relatable performances.
The show aired for two seasons between 1996 and 1997 and quickly gained a cult following. Nardini’s portrayal of the fierce and emotionally complex Anna Forbes was a standout, earning her the 1998 BAFTA Award for Best Actress.
Revisiting the Past with This Life +10
In 2006, Nardini reprised her iconic role for This Life +10, a one-off TV special celebrating the series’ 10-year anniversary. The reunion gave fans a glimpse into the characters’ lives a decade later, but for Nardini, it marked a moment of reflection rather than a desire to return to acting full-time.
Acting Career Highlights Beyond This Life
Following her breakout success, Daniela continued working across British television, appearing in shows such as Quite Ugly One Morning, Sirens, Lewis, Vera, and Waterloo Road. Known for her depth and intensity, she often portrayed strong, layered women facing real-world challenges.
But while the roles were fulfilling, the actress found herself gradually drawn to something else—something more personal and transformative.
Becoming a Therapist: A New Calling
Today, Daniela Nardini practices as a cognitive behavioural therapist in Glasgow, Scotland. She runs her own practice and offers various forms of therapy including acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), compassion-focused therapy, creative approaches, and person-centered methods.
Her profile on Psychology Today reveals her deeply personal approach to the work:
“I have worked as an actress for over 35 years. This has been an invaluable education for me to study what it is to be human and how we can all suffer at times and feel misunderstood and lonely. I myself have struggled at times.”
She adds that her practice is rooted in non-judgment, compassion, and humour—helping people navigate life’s toughest challenges while offering warmth and understanding.
A Therapist Who Knows Hardship
Nardini is no stranger to adversity. Between 2015 and 2018, she experienced what she called “the worst five years of my life.” During that time, she lost her father, went through a divorce, and faced a cancer diagnosis. These life events shaped not only her personal growth but also her approach as a therapist.
“Sometimes I wonder if it was all the emotional stuff I was going through that caused my cancer,” she said in a past interview.
“A couple of years down the road, I now feel as if I’ve emerged stronger and a better person really. Anna would be proud.”
Specialties That Reflect Real Life
Daniela now specializes in areas including depression, anxiety, behavioural issues, and emotional trauma. She also has experience supporting clients through addiction, family conflict, parenting struggles, and grief.
Her lived experiences give her an authentic perspective, allowing her to connect with clients on a deeper level. In her own words:
“Often we feel unheard or feel shame because we are struggling. I am here to listen without judgment and to offer compassion and kindness.”
No Regrets, Just Gratitude
While she acknowledges the impact This Life had on her career and British television, Nardini doesn’t long for a return to celebrity life.
“I love that people still enjoy the series. But This Life feels like another life now. It was very exciting and intoxicating at the time… but I don’t crave it. What I do crave is good work.”
She says her current work gives her a sense of purpose and connection that acting rarely provided.
“As you go through life and experience different things you just want somehow for that to feed into your work.”
A Journey from Screen to Soul
Daniela Nardini’s story is one of transformation—not just career-wise, but emotionally and spiritually. From winning awards on screen to offering quiet support in therapy rooms, she continues to impact lives in meaningful ways.
What began as a breakout television role has led to a real-life mission: helping others find clarity, strength, and healing—on their own terms.
