How did it feel to land your role in Hollyoaks?
It was very surreal! I remember coming out of the audition thinking I’d done such a bad job and I was so gutted. Then my agent called and said I got the part and start on Monday. Me and my mum (who drove me to the audition) both started crying – I still feel the same now – I feel very lucky to be doing what I love every single day.
How was your first day on set?
I remember being so nervous and excited at the same time. Everyone was so lovely and my first day was working with the amazing director, Nigel Keen and I was filming with Chelsee Healey. As soon as I met Chelsee and Nigel, I was instantly at ease as they were both so lovely – I just wanted to do the best job I possibly could.
How long did it take you to settle into the Hollyoaks family?
As soon as I started, it felt like I had known everyone my whole life and I clicked with all of them straight away. Everyone made me feel at home – they helped me move into my flat and we have regular catch ups.
What is it like to be playing a McQueen?
I absolutely love being a McQueen, I just love how they have gone through so much as a family, but they all stick together no matter what happens.
How would you describe ‘Cher McQueen’?
I think Cher McQueen is very caring – she cares a lot for her family. She definitely has an attitude at times, sassy but always there if you need her.
What can we expect from your character in the coming months? Anything you can talk about?
There is definitely a lot to expect from my character in the next few months from romance to seeing her vulnerable side. Cher came in with a big secret and you might just find it out.
What would you like to see happen to your character Cher?
I think Cher is very private and keeps her issues to herself. It would be nice to see Cher begin to trust others and let people in.
Is there anyone that you haven’t shared a scene with yet that you’d like to?
I have never shared a scene with Ruby O’Donnell who plays Peri and I definitely think Peri and Cher would be such good friends as they both love fashion and beauty.
Have you always wanted to be an actress?
I have wanted to be an actress and singer since I can remember. I think at the age of 3 years old, I actually told my mum and dad “I want to be an actress and sing!”
If you could play any other character who would you like to play?
I think if I could play any other character in Hollyoaks, it would of course have to be Mercedes. I think she is such a cool character that has made a lot of mistakes, but everyone loves her.
What has been your favourite Hollyoaks stunt?
I think it would have to be the Halloween special at the funfair. From Joe falling from the ferris wheel to the Maze being set alight and killing Nico! It definitely made you sit at the edge of your seat.
You moved to Liverpool just before the pandemic, you enjoying living in Liverpool?
I absolutely love Liverpool, there is just so much to do – I love having a beach so near. The music scene is amazing here too although I haven’t been able to properly explore it yet due to Covid 19.
You’re also a singer, how long have you been singing?
I have been singing since the age of 6 – but I think I started getting serious about it from 10 years old. I was at my grandad’s house and the song Smile by Charlie Chaplin came on the radio, so I tried to sing it and he said I was so out of tune, haha, so I thought – I’ll prove you wrong. I was doing some extra work on TV at the time, so I used my money on singing lessons and on his birthday, I wrapped up the sheet music to Smile for my grandad and sang when he opened it. He started crying and I think I realised then how much I love singing.
You released The Idea Of Love back in January, do you have plans to release any more music this year? Would you like to tour with your music?
I have a full album ready to release that I have been working on with two amazing producers, Robin- Taylor Firth and Steve Edwards, so there’ll definitely be a release very, very soon. I would absolutely love to tour with my music, the thought of performing to sold out audiences around the country would be a dream come true.
What is the best concert you have been to?
I would have to say Beyonce of course or Paolo Nutini who sounds EVEN more insane live. I love his voice.
You write your own music, where does your inspiration come from?
I use different things when I write music, I either put myself in someone else’s shoes or from personal experience.
You’ve been learning to play the guitar how is that going?
Yes, I did all the Fender play lessons in lockdown which I loved although I have been too busy lately. Playing piano is more my thing though.
What music are you currently listening to?
I am loving Sammy Rae at the moment. I love Jazz and her voice and songs are so jazzy, I love them.
You do a lot of singing via your Instagram, how do you decide which you want to perform?
Normally, it will be me having a jam in my room and I’ll try something and think “I quite like that”, so I’ll record it. It’s normally in the spur of the moment.
You set up your own charity Bethany’s Smile, could you tell everyone more about it?
I set Bethany’s Smile up when I was 12 years old. It supports children with life limiting and life-threatening illnesses. We are currently trying to raise £300,000 to build Smile Cottage – a holiday respite home where children can go to build happy memories with their family when they’re told they only have a few weeks left to live. For more information you can visit, www.bethanyssmile.org
What have you missed the most during this pandemic?
I miss hugging my grandparents – I have been sitting in their garden at a distance so I cannot wait to hug them again and of course to have my Grandma’s Sunday dinner – it is the best!
Final Messages?
I am so excited for everyone to see what is to come on Hollyoaks. Thank you so much for everyone’s support so far – I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it. And stay safe.
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