Impressed: Frances in her River City gown

“I was a huge River City fan before I joined – still am – and I was so nervous,” says Frances.

“I remember being excited on the first day, wanting to see round all the different sets. I had hoped to land a part for a long time before one came along. It was a dream come true. “Stephen was so kind and so was Scott Fletcher, who plays Angus. I went into their wee huddle right away and there was lots of fun.

“I’ve had lots of things to get my teeth into as well and Kim has really developed into a strong female. She’s quite feisty now and that’s very satisfying to play.” River City is far and away Frances’s biggest TV break, but she had racked up an impressive body of stage work before joining.

She appeared in big London musicals but ask about her highlights and she immediately cites ones that are closer to home – including playing two of the 20th Century’s greatest female icons.

“Iplayedmarilynmonroeatthe Citizen’s Theatre and Judy Garland at Oran Mor in Glasgow.

“I had to do a lot of research for them. I pretty much watched every Monroe film and I did the same with Garland.

“I was a massive fan of Garland when I was growing up. I read up on both and listened to their voices quite a bit to figure out how they spoke and how they sang.

“I was so keen on getting it right, I even dyed my hair peroxide blonde for Marilyn rather than wear a wig. “Ifelttherewasalotof responsibility to get it right with both of them as they were such incredible women.

“But it was a real labour of love as you are looking to find the right way of portraying them without it being a caricature.”

Now, though, it’s very much River City that Frances is devoting her energies to and she feels there’s plenty strong stories to come. That includes the fragile health of Kim’s mum Isobel (Alison Peebles), who has dementia.

“I think it’s vital to show that as it’s something that affects so many people,” adds Frances.

River City, BBC1 Scotland, Tuesday, 8pm.

n▼ Some like it hot: Frances as Marilyn Monroe, left, and as the less glamorous Kim in Shieldinch, above with Stephen Purdon.