What was your first TV memory?
I used to love Saturday morning TV, shows like SMTV Live, Ministry Of Mayhem, Dick and Dom in the bungalow…I loved watching and eating breakfast in bed.
What was your first TV appearance?
The first one I remember was a TV commercial I did for Honey Nut Cheerios when I was five. I was Red Riding Hood and Kelsey Grammar was the big bad wolf. But I was three when I started and I don’t even remember what the first one was. I appeared in ads for Disney, McDonald’s – about ice cream – and Homeland.
Who was your first TV crush?
Ant & Dec! Both of them! They’re just amazing what they do. They were the only people I ever wrote to, although I don’t think I posted the letter. After that, it was Johnny Depp in the Pirates Of The Caribbean franchise. I became completely obsessed with him,
What is your favourite current show?
I love Netflix. I’m currently watching the new season of The Crown, with Imelda Staunton as the Queen; the cast are incredible. I’ve also been re-watching Peaky Blinders. It’s incredibly well-written. I’m not massively keen on the violence but it’s enough to tell the story. The acting is unbelievable.
Which TV show would you take to a desert island?
Oh my goodness! The Simpsons because there are so many episodes, over 700, so it’d last a good long while.
What TV show would you like to put out of its misery?
I was hooked on an American comedy-drama called Pushing Daisies, which got cancelled so I never found out how it ended. It was very frustrating! So I’d axe that retrospectively so I would never have been interested in it. I’m easily pleased by art forms as a rule. Even if I hate a storyline I can still be enthralled by the acting.
Guiltiest TV pleasure?
I love Derren Brown, the mentalist. I’ve seen everything he has done on TV and I have bought tickets for his new stage show, Showman. He’s upfront about what it is too. He tells you he’s a conman and he’s a liar but then he convinces you that he’s not conning you at all. I enjoy Gordon Ramsay’s shows, like Hell’s Kitchen, too.
What are you up to at the moment?
I’m in my first panto and I’m really excited about it. I’m playing a villain for the first time, wicked fairy godmother Carabosse in Sleeping Beauty at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury. Normally I’m the one who defends people from the monsters, this time I’m the monster and I’m looking forward to the boos! I’ve got my solo tour, An Open Book, next year too. It starts in May and runs into June. I’m going all around the UK singing musical theatre songs and telling stories.
*Sleeping Beauty is at The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury. until January 8.
