Rainbow Network
With the brand new series of Bad Girls just around the corner (Tuesday 20 March 9pm, ITV), fans of the show will be dying to know whats going to happen. We chatted with our favourite cast member Simone Lahbib (the gorgeous Helen Stewart) about what she thinks of playing a lesbian, life on set and whats in store for the next series.
Are you going to tell us what happens in the new series?
As youd expect, I cant tell you much. But I can tell you series three picks up where series two ended. In other words, its continuous action from the does she, doesnt she cliffhanger. I can say anyone who has enjoyed the last two wont be disappointed with BG3. It pulls no punches, it continues to explore the issues of women behind bars and women in general, and is becoming more political as well as being very entertaining. Youll meet lots of interesting, colourful new characters, played by some exceptional actresses and actors as well as all the old favourites back on form.
Do you think the relationship between Helen and Nikki is a believable one or has it been exaggerated to make the show more exciting and dramatic? Do you think gay women in the real world would be able to relate to them?
Its really for the audience, not me, to say whether the relationship between Helen and Nikki is believable. We certainly play it for real, with truth and integrity, I hope. As for whether the relationship has been exaggerated for dramatic effect, Id have to say no, I dont. Nikki is serving a life sentence. She has no future to look forward to, just the same mundane existence, day in, day out.
Women are emotional creatures at the best of times. Nikki is intensely so. Remember, women find it much harder to settle into prison life because they have such a strong connection with their outside lives, their homes, their children, their loved ones. On top of all this, Nikki is extremely bright, without much mental stimulation. Too much time and a fertile mind is a disastrous combination for mental health. Then Helen enters her life, bringing friendship, mental and physical stimulation, intimacy and hope a very dangerous thing for a lifer.
They are both trapped in this very unnatural environment, in which it is impossible to move forward. There is also the constant physical presence of bars between them. And of course this very unhealthy balance of power between them, not as women as women they are pretty evenly matched on lots of levels but as their status within the prison dictates. It constantly challenges their relationship.
From the feedback Ive had, Id say lots of gay women can and do relate to the Nikki / Helen story. Im sure a lot of gay women have had their own experience of forbidden love. Im sure some women will have identified with Helens struggle with her sexual identity and fear of crossing over to this unknown, unfamiliar world of disapproval and secrets. And Im sure a few will identify with Nikkis situation falling in love with a straight woman.
How easy is it creating chemistry with an actor of the same sex?
In the past, Ive found Ive either had real chemistry with an actor of the opposite sex which can be dangerous, or none at all, and had to manufacture it, which is all just part of the job of being an actor. This is the first time Ive had to play love scenes with an actor of the same sex. Mandana and I have a natural chemistry anyway, borne of our friendship and enjoyment of working together. Theres a lot of trust between us, we're very in tune and sensitive of each other. So its easy for us to then create a sexual chemistry partly because we feel safe with each other.
Did you have to do a lot of research for the part? What kind of understanding have you gained of the British womens prison service and how it works? Think you'd like a change of career?!
In short, yes, we all did a lot of research. Some through advisors prison officers and ex-offenders. We did lots of reading and visited Winchester Open Prison. I was also lucky to spend time and pick the brains of a woman who like Helen, did the fast-track university route to become Governor Grade 5 at Holloway Prison aged 24. So basically, I have enough knowledge to play the part. But I wouldn’t choose it as my specialist subject on Mastermind. As for changing my career are you trying to tell me something? I couldn't work for the prison service in real life. It would be the death of me. You see drama queen through and through!
How does Bad Girls differ from other shows you've been in? Is there a strong family atmosphere between cast and crew on set?
For a start it's the first time I've worked with so many women of a similar age and it`s so full of fun. Needless to say, there is a lot of socialising, which is quite unusual in TV work. It's also the most successful and highest profile job I've ever done, which brings with it lots of press attention and recognition on the street. It's a new phenomenon that we all have to learn to deal with. It's a programme that goes off the air again and all that fades away, back to normality.
Quickies
1. Tigger or Pooh?
Tigger as a personal trainer or to go clubbing with, Pooh to have dinner and chill with.
2. Tell us a joke..
A man who's hard of hearing goes to the doctor with his wife. The doctor says I need a sperm sample, a urine sample and a stool sample. The man says to his wife What did he say?. The wife shouts back You're to leave your underpants at reception.
3. Who do you admire and why?
I admire my sisters for doing such a great job bringing up their families. Plus they are both such amazing women.
4. What book has had the greatest effect on your life?
The Road Less Travelled by M Scott Peck, and The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield are two that spring to mind.
5. What do you daydream about?
Travelling. I've got very itchy feet just now.
6. Name something you look forward to.
Going back to Italy this year and eating myself three stone heavier.
7. What do you feel passionately about?
Everything, but particularly children who have special needs or in care, or suffering from malnutrition or abuse or suffering in any way. I have the passion but as yet I don't know what to do with it.
8. Complete the sentence Life is...
...whatever you make it.
Libby Alderman
