SONIA GRAY

Played Aleesha Cook, 1998 to 2000

Reprobate receptionist Aleesha pricked holes in boyfriend Fergus Kearney’s condoms so she’d get pregnant, falsely accused a surgeon of sexual harassment and stole money from the clinic. Wellington TV presenter Sonia, 43, has hosted the Lotto draw for nearly 12 years and is the mother of eight-year-old twins.

What was your favourite scene to film?

There are so many! Aleesha was really good at completely messing with people’s lives – that was fun! I was heartbroken when she was hit by a car, lost her unborn child and had to have a hysterectomy. I knew how much she wanted to be a mother and I felt that punishment was more than she deserved!

How did you channel your inner evil-doer?

I have no idea, but it came very naturally – which surprised and concerned me a little bit!

How did Shorty fans react to you?

Mainly they just told me, “I hate you,” but occasionally they were quite violent. When Aleesha was unleashing her worst, I risked being shoved, spat on and sworn at. Perhaps the peak of humiliation came when a guy poured a pint of beer over my head in a pub.

What’s the most evil thing you’ve done in real life?

According to my daughter, it’s asking her to tidy her room. I don’t think that’s particularly evil – especially as she never does it!