Metro - 60 Second Interview
What's it like being in Prisoner cell Block H - sorry, Bad Girls - then?
How dare you! There are definately no shaky walls in Bad Girls. The great thing about a series such as ours is it is about women by women. It was conceived by Maureen chadwick, Ann McManus and Eileen Gallagher and they're right behind it. That's why it's such a success.
Should we expect more shenanigans from Helen and love interest Nikki in series three?
I'm not sure how much I can tell you. Helen was very distracted in the last series. In this one, she manages to become more focused on her job again. She will get another promotion and, as far as the love angle goes, there are people who will come along and challenge the love interest of both Helen and Nikki (Mandana Jones).
Was it hard to rehearse for the lesbian kiss scene?
We didn't bother - you don't need to rehearse a kiss. Whether it be male or female, you tend to rehearse the scene around it and then wait for the actual take to do the kiss itself. It helped that Mandana and I have worked together before and are friends. We only get the scripts a week in advance so we sit round and discuss the characters over a number of cups of coffee.
Were you surprised when that storyline came up?
No. The writers had told me Helen and Nikki were going to fall in love before I got the job, so I was well aware of what was going to happen. The response to the story was brilliant from both the gay and heterosexual communities. Most people recognised it as a great love story.
No 'disgusted from Tunbridge Wells' letter then?
I only had the one letter from someone who went on some stupid diatribe along the lines of "Please don't let yourself be used by the gay liberal front." Then they went off quoting passages from the Bible and stuff. But it was just the one letter in the thousands we get.
Are you a bit rock 'n' roll?
I do have a little hedonistic familiar that sits on my shoulder every now and again. Luckily I do have another one on the other shoulder which is more in a healthy lifestyle and keeps me balanced.
What's the most hedonistic thing you've done?
I'm not likely to tell you guys am I? I'm not a huge fan of alcohol as it makes me sick. I just enjoy having fun, although I prefer my nights to be spontaneous.
What's the closest you've ever come to getting banged up?
Sorry to be on the boring side but the closest I get to the police is asking for directions.
What's your worst fault?
I have an appalling memory for names. I can learn lines really quickly but I have to write down other things otherwise they're just gone.
And the best thing about you?
A couple of mates recently told me I was quite calm and very patient, so I suppose it must be that. I'd add I'm really quite passionate.
What goes everywhere with you?
My Visa card
Can all Scots do a Sean Connery impression?
Shertainly Mish Moneypenny.
As a kid were youa girly girl or a tomboy?
A bit of both. I enjoyed scrambling up trees with my lip gloss on.
What's in your fridge at the moment?
I always have a well-stocked fridge as I love food. There's lots of fresh fruit, eg and fish in there.
So what would you rustle up in a hurry?
I'm really into Caesar salads at the moment. I don't make my own sauce though - why go to all the hassle of making it when you can get a perfectly good one straight off the shelves at M&S? If I was preparing something for lunch, I'd probably do a nice pasta dish. If it was a Sunday and I had more time, I'd cook a fantastic roast lamb dinner. My lamb roasts are legendary; I cook the lamb with plenty of fresh ginger, rosemary and garlic and serve it with roast vegetables
