Blue Lights star argues that there are still so many realistic stories to tell about sex workers

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What’s the view from your sofa?

I used to prefer a smaller television, wanting to avoid it being the focal point of the room. However, my partner loves movies and values a good viewing experience. We ended up upgrading to a much larger TV, but it actually works well in our space – we enjoy watching it from our corner sofa.

What have you been watching on your room-appropriate TV recently?

I really like documentaries, and I recently watched “Sean Combs: The Reckoning” on Netflix. I’m also currently watching “The Beast in Me.”

Who controls the remote at home?

We have a strong connection. My partner and I always make time for each other – for example, if I enter a room and he’s watching something, he’ll pause it to chat with me. It’s such a thoughtful thing, and I really appreciate it.

You’ve played both a crime boss in the drama Blue Lights and the head of MI6 in the comedy Black Ops. Do you have a preference when it comes to which genre you enjoy working in?

I really enjoy getting lost in a character and appreciate well-crafted writing. If a story keeps me thinking, I’m completely satisfied. When I’m acting, I always aim to make my characters – even the villains – feel real and relatable, remembering they all have a past. And it’s always a pleasure to be around funny people!

Black Ops also raises important issues about racism and corruption. Do you believe comedy is a good way to discuss challenging subjects?

Absolutely, and I think people often miss that point. Even though I don’t often work in comedy, I understand how important it is. I have a lot of respect for comedy, and I don’t think it’s appreciated enough, either financially or with recognition.

You became well-known for playing sex workers – Simone in the 1986 film Mona Lisa, and another character in the 1990s TV series Band of Gold. What are your thoughts on how movies and television shows portray this profession?

There are still many untold stories about the lives of sex workers, and it’s important to portray them realistically. When ‘Band of Gold’ first aired, it was groundbreaking to see these women depicted in their home lives. Working on that show helped me overcome my own preconceived notions – I did research and met the women involved, and realized I needed to put aside my biases to play the role authentically. I’ve heard the film ‘Anora’ has been criticized for being exploitative in its approach, though that doesn’t necessarily mean it shouldn’t explore that world, just that the execution felt problematic. Despite that, I’m still interested in seeing it.

Were you offered a lot of similar parts after Band of Gold?

I decided to leave the show. Kay Mellor, the creator, asked us if we’d be interested in a fourth season, but I wanted to try something new. Even though I was short on money at the time, I turned it down. I figured it was better to end the series while it was still good, as shows can often lose quality over time.

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Is having variety as an actor important to you?

I got into acting because I like to try different things, but I don’t think it’s right to criticize anyone else for enjoying their work. There’s something really appealing about having a stable job for a long time, and the close relationships you build with your colleagues are wonderful. It’s tough when a project ends – it feels like a loss – so I get why some people prefer the comfort of a long-term position.

You received the BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2022 for your role in the Channel 4 drama, Help. What was that experience like?

Being nominated for an award is a real privilege. I feel incredibly lucky with every role I land – it’s like winning the lottery each time. I only had a small part in this project, and others in my category were on screen much more, so I wasn’t anticipating a nomination. It makes you think about whether you could retire, feeling you’ve achieved what you set out to do. But this nomination actually inspires me to keep striving to be better, to work hard, and to continue pursuing my goals as an actor.

Authors

Steve O’BrienFreelance
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2026-02-09 20:44