Coronation Street: Bobbi arrives at Underworld

[20/03/2000]

Mile High: Lehann’s first flight, with Jo-Anne Knowles

Series 1 Episode 1 [16/02/2003]

Could you tell us of how you began your career in acting and how it progressed from there?

I began acting aged 6. Took to the stage in a production of Snow White, playing the evil Queen. I was shy as a child so becoming another character was very freeing. I loved it, I was hooked from then on.

I see Coronation Street, as Bobbi Lewis, was your acting breakthrough on television. That sounds amazing to have been cast on 'The Street' as a regular character for your debut role? Good memories?

Great memories and yes, I've been incredibly lucky when it comes to my career. To be included in such a stellar cast was a little intimidating I admit. Many of the characters I'd grown up watching on my TV at home with the family, suddenly I was standing right in front of them... giving lines! At times I found it overwhelming to be a part of such a huge production, I never took for granted my big break but the wonderful cast and talented directors were always available to guide me through. I was blessed.

Following Coronation Street came the beginning of your involvement in drama on Sky television. The first, Mile High, has since developed quite a cult following. Was it a lot of fun doing Mile High? It certainly looked it!

Mile High was and has been to date one of THE BEST jobs any actor could have hoped for. We became a very close family and some brilliantly talented actors were a part of the show as main cast and many guest roles were taken by fantastic actors. The travelling was always fun, filming at a studio in East London and Majorca became our second home for all the away episodes. I can say most of the cast, crew and production get together on a regular basis to catch up. I loved playing Leanne and had many scenes with such talented actors I was very spoilt!

Of course fans of Sky One's other prime drama Dream Team were delighted when you were cast, following Mile High's ending. Can you tell us how your casting went for Dream Team?

Ah. Please don't choke but the producer of Mile High also produced Dream Team. The role of Ashleigh King was a straight offer and I happily accepted. This happens rarely in the acting industry, even big actors and actresses still have to screen test for big roles so to be offered a job on the back of another is, well...THE biggest compliment an actor can get.

Your character, Ashleigh King, seemed to be someone the show's writers put great effort and detail into. A much-welcome plot being sexism against women in football, which she greatly took on and overcame. Were you proud to take on a story which has had so much relevance in football and still goes on today?

I love playing strong, lead female characters, it's where I feel at home. I love being feminine but also have a strong masculine element within me. Growing up in the North and being poor teaches a girl some street smarts that never really fade! But let's face it, you boys like to be bossed about (sometimes!) by the right girl! We were lucky in casting, all the boys were great fun and Ali King was just a joy! I love that girl, she's in Corrie now! she's brilliant.

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