Tell us about Bring The Drama and what audiences can expect

It’s not the same as some of the other big talent shows - we don’t show you the huge selection process. We only focus on the group of people who we think have a shot at doing well. Hopefully the audience will enjoy watching people who are passionate about being actors get a taste of the profession in the real world. They will see how hard it is but equally how rewarding it is when you succeed. We aren’t saying that drama school is not a great way of getting on the ladder - it is an excellent way to start. But many can’t afford it and it is exciting to throw this experience out there to others.

What made you want to be involved in the series?

It was really important to me that an authentic and fair process was put in place. The duty of care had to be at the forefront of this process and I wanted to be there to see that it was adhered to. I couldn’t have been happier with it. I am very out of my comfort zone too - I have never been in front of the camera before and I learnt a lot which will definitely make me a better casting director. I pride myself on inclusion when I cast so I was very invested in this format.

How was it working with Bill Bailey and the guest mentors?

They say you should never meet your heroes … in this case it couldn’t be further from the truth. He is the perfect person to front the show because he has been there and experienced many of the pressures. He is one of the most talented, funny and generous human beings I have ever met. And it didn’t stop there. The guest mentors, many of whom I have worked with before, were a dream. Our cast were very lucky to have worked with them all and I get the impression that they were also impressed with our actors too. They are all very talented and have had a huge amount of experience in our industry so their advice was golden.

What do you hope viewers will take away from the show?

I hope that the viewers get a parallel experience of watching what someone can achieve without professional training if they are given a chance but at the same time, how in reality being an actor requires a huge amount of skill, determination and hard work. You hear a lot of people saying ‘oh I could have done that’ but the reality is something quite different. Also I think it is so much fun to see what goes on behind the scenes and then also watching our actors on set at some of our most popular shows. The biggest take away is for it to encourage someone to give our industry a shot with the understanding of how difficult it can be. Dream big but dream with realism.

How important do you think Bring The Drama is in highlighting barriers within the industry?

We all know already that there are barriers to many of the arts. They have historically been there for those that can afford it. Not only the schools and courses but the accommodation in the cities that offer them. Also you need help when you are not working to sustain and of course the mental health struggles that go alongside it all. We will follow 8 people who have a range of reasons why they didn’t pursue their dreams and hopefully we will show that for some of them it prevented a very real career where they would be living their dream. Everyone deserves a shot at that.

What’s the biggest difference you saw in the actors throughout the process?

It is a roller coaster because I don’t get to see what they are really thinking behind the scenes. I saw an ebb and flow of confidence. They started with loads and then the process and rejection ate away at them and then they had to really dig deep to bring it back. That is the harsh reality of being an actor at any level. I loved seeing them watch themselves on screen and see themselves doing real scenes on real sets. I think it was quite emotional for all of us at times.

What is it that you look for when casting for roles? Are there any particular traits or skills that you feel someone needs to possess?

When I am casting I have quite a few variables going on. You have to find people who tick many, many boxes from the obvious ones like being the best actor technically, to hitting the algorithms that make it work for the network (who brings viewers) and then do they look like the family they are meant to be in, do they have the authenticity of the character.