10 MINUTES WITH…

…drama, Ackley Bridge It’s about a new flagship school up north. A lot of schools were becoming predominantly white or Asian – so the big mission of Ackley Bridge is to bring the community together.

…her character, head teacher Mandy Carter

Mandy comes from a working-class background, so she’s no pushover. Rather than going off the rails, she climbed up the ladder, so she can be a little bit serious. She’s not always the most liked person in the school, but it’s always for a good reason! …filming up north We stay in Hebden Bridge, which is really lovely. It’s absolutely stunning. I’ve always been really fond of Manchester and Leeds. Everyone is really friendly.

…working with kids

It’s fantastic. Some are picked from the streets, and they’re excited and happy to be there, whereas we seasoned actors forget how lucky we are. Their enthusiasm rubs off on us.

...if she thinks she’d make a good teacher

I think I’d be good at coming up with lessons, but actually teaching… I’m not as patient as my husband, who is a teacher. I don’t think I’d be the best at putting up with that level of noise and energy!