|
Exclusive Interviews!On this page, you will find a number of exclusive, never before seen interviews, given directly to us! Check back regularly as we will update often.
|
This part of the website has now been removed. To view more exclusive interviews from cast members please visit http://waterlootvroad.weebly.com . Sorry for any inconvience.
*EXCLUSIVE* Interview with Luke Bailey (Marley Kelly) (11th May)
We spoke exclusively to Luke Bailey, the actor who formerly played Marley Kelly in Waterloo Road. He was very talkative and revealed a lot about his time on the show. Have read below to find out what he said.
Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions. How have you been?
Very well thank you, been directing plays for The Lowry which is incredible
What was it like when you first got the call saying you had got the part on Waterloo Road?
I can't actually remember the call. I remember the auditions and recalls and reading in with Reece Noi but I don't remember the moment I found out...I would have been over the moon I'm sure!
I’m sure you would have been! All our website viewers know you as Marley Kelly, but is there anything else you’ve been in? Or do you have any roles coming up?
I was in Casualty for 3 years before WR I played Sam Bateman but I quit acting 3 years ago to concentrate on writing and directing. I go up for the odd part but I don't really take acting as seriously anymore.
Ahh, that’s a shame! You are a fantastic actor, but I hope eveything’s going well with the directing. You started Waterloo Road at the beginning of series 4 as the eldest child in the Kelly family. What was it like having such a huge part in the show?
There was a lot of responsibility I suppose to be a strong presence on screen, considering the amount of time that was invested in my character but that's the reason I got into acting in all honesty. I was excited as opposed to nervous. Also the cast around me were fantastic so it was a joy to perform with them, which makes the scenes easier to excel in.
Well you definitely excelled! The rest of the Kelly’s were sort of ‘bad boy’ type characters. Did you like the fact Marley was mellower, or would you secretly have loved to play a ‘bad boy’ too?
I liked that Marley was the objective foil to Earl's rebellion. He offered some hope to families going through the care system and I think the story needed that. It gave two sides to people like the Kelly's when so often in the media their story is subjective and glib. Part of the charm that drew me to Marley is I thought he probably was a 'bad boy' but never had the time to be with everything else going on
Wow, that’s a great answer. We loved Marley, he was such a gentleman. In series 4, Marley was in a relationship with fellow pupil Flick Mellor. You both seemed to get along great on the show, but what was your relationship like off screen?
We have always been friends, since the off as we both have very similar interests, but we're probably a little closer now since we've both left. We see each other a fair amount, we only live around the corner from each other. She's an absolutely fantastic person and I love her to bits.
Aww, that’s great. Sadie seems like a lovely girl. What about the other cast members? Who did you get along best with? And are you still in contact with any of them?
I got on with all of them. I already knew Elyes (Rob Cleaver) from working on Casualty. We've been best mates for yonks’, we used to live together, but that's another story for another day. I chat with Chelsee and Jess Bagnall a bit and the rest I see out and about. Me and Smithy (Dean) are working on some scripts for the BBC so we're in regular contact. For the record I hate Tom Milner, he has table manners and terrible halitosis...I'm joking I love Milner although I'm serious about the table etiquette and bad breath.
Haha, sounds like you all got along great! Maybe with the exception of Tom haha! Marley was such a lovable character in the show, always trying his hardest to help anyone! But how do you compare to him in real life?
I'm not a bad person (I don't think) but I'm no Marley...when I was in the show, many women were disappointed by how, and I quote “Eugh, you're nothing like Marley”. For a while I felt like a massive failure that I couldn't live up to his chivalry. But then I realised he wouldn't exist without me and that made me feel better.
Aha, very true that! There would have been no Marley without Luke, so thank you for that haha! During your time at Waterloo Road, you had many fantastic storylines. But which one was your favourite, and why?
It was the 'Money' from Ralph story. I loved working with Malcolm, although the dilemma Marley faced was heart-breaking: his family or his love? It was brilliant!
That was one fantastic storyline! Very gripping! The viewers all loved the series 4 finale, when Ralph Mellor bulldozed the school. What was that like to film?
Well I was actually in the choir at that point, so didn't see the bulldozing. I remember the scenes when we got back to the school and saw the damage. They were actually a lot of fun because the whole cast was in at once, so they had novelty of having all your favourite characters in one place...
It was really amazing to watch! And yes, it was great seeing all the most loved characters brought together, unfortunately under such awful circumstances. Since leaving the show, do you still catch up on it while it’s on TV? If so, which characters do you like currently?
I will not lie, I don't watch it. I don't own a TV, to stop me watching crap. I only watch films and dramas that I like now, things like Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones, The Wire and Shadow Line. However, whoever is in it I'm sure they're doing an incredible job.
Aha, well that’s very honest. Thank you. Obviously you are a fantastic actor, and are now focusing your attention on writing and directing. But if you couldn’t do these jobs, what would you like to be doing?
If I couldn't do any of those jobs? That's a tough one. I'd be doing something mundane that I probably wasn't enjoying. Saying that, I've always been into advertising for some reason.
As everyone is aware, the last ever episode to be filmed in Rochdale was broadcasted last month. What are your opinions on the shows move up to Scotland? Do you think it was time for a change?
I don't think it matters where the show is set. I think it's good to encourage Scottish talent and see regional voices and narratives on our screens. My only concern is that it was a move for money and that the cast and crew who have worked hard on the show for many years were not all considered. Some people only found out about the move through reading it in the BBC press release. However in terms of output and content I think the show will probably be as good as ever.
It was fantastic speaking to you! We’re hugely grateful that you've taken the time out to answer our questions.
It was a pleasure talking to you. Take care!
Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions. How have you been?
Very well thank you, been directing plays for The Lowry which is incredible
What was it like when you first got the call saying you had got the part on Waterloo Road?
I can't actually remember the call. I remember the auditions and recalls and reading in with Reece Noi but I don't remember the moment I found out...I would have been over the moon I'm sure!
I’m sure you would have been! All our website viewers know you as Marley Kelly, but is there anything else you’ve been in? Or do you have any roles coming up?
I was in Casualty for 3 years before WR I played Sam Bateman but I quit acting 3 years ago to concentrate on writing and directing. I go up for the odd part but I don't really take acting as seriously anymore.
Ahh, that’s a shame! You are a fantastic actor, but I hope eveything’s going well with the directing. You started Waterloo Road at the beginning of series 4 as the eldest child in the Kelly family. What was it like having such a huge part in the show?
There was a lot of responsibility I suppose to be a strong presence on screen, considering the amount of time that was invested in my character but that's the reason I got into acting in all honesty. I was excited as opposed to nervous. Also the cast around me were fantastic so it was a joy to perform with them, which makes the scenes easier to excel in.
Well you definitely excelled! The rest of the Kelly’s were sort of ‘bad boy’ type characters. Did you like the fact Marley was mellower, or would you secretly have loved to play a ‘bad boy’ too?
I liked that Marley was the objective foil to Earl's rebellion. He offered some hope to families going through the care system and I think the story needed that. It gave two sides to people like the Kelly's when so often in the media their story is subjective and glib. Part of the charm that drew me to Marley is I thought he probably was a 'bad boy' but never had the time to be with everything else going on
Wow, that’s a great answer. We loved Marley, he was such a gentleman. In series 4, Marley was in a relationship with fellow pupil Flick Mellor. You both seemed to get along great on the show, but what was your relationship like off screen?
We have always been friends, since the off as we both have very similar interests, but we're probably a little closer now since we've both left. We see each other a fair amount, we only live around the corner from each other. She's an absolutely fantastic person and I love her to bits.
Aww, that’s great. Sadie seems like a lovely girl. What about the other cast members? Who did you get along best with? And are you still in contact with any of them?
I got on with all of them. I already knew Elyes (Rob Cleaver) from working on Casualty. We've been best mates for yonks’, we used to live together, but that's another story for another day. I chat with Chelsee and Jess Bagnall a bit and the rest I see out and about. Me and Smithy (Dean) are working on some scripts for the BBC so we're in regular contact. For the record I hate Tom Milner, he has table manners and terrible halitosis...I'm joking I love Milner although I'm serious about the table etiquette and bad breath.
Haha, sounds like you all got along great! Maybe with the exception of Tom haha! Marley was such a lovable character in the show, always trying his hardest to help anyone! But how do you compare to him in real life?
I'm not a bad person (I don't think) but I'm no Marley...when I was in the show, many women were disappointed by how, and I quote “Eugh, you're nothing like Marley”. For a while I felt like a massive failure that I couldn't live up to his chivalry. But then I realised he wouldn't exist without me and that made me feel better.
Aha, very true that! There would have been no Marley without Luke, so thank you for that haha! During your time at Waterloo Road, you had many fantastic storylines. But which one was your favourite, and why?
It was the 'Money' from Ralph story. I loved working with Malcolm, although the dilemma Marley faced was heart-breaking: his family or his love? It was brilliant!
That was one fantastic storyline! Very gripping! The viewers all loved the series 4 finale, when Ralph Mellor bulldozed the school. What was that like to film?
Well I was actually in the choir at that point, so didn't see the bulldozing. I remember the scenes when we got back to the school and saw the damage. They were actually a lot of fun because the whole cast was in at once, so they had novelty of having all your favourite characters in one place...
It was really amazing to watch! And yes, it was great seeing all the most loved characters brought together, unfortunately under such awful circumstances. Since leaving the show, do you still catch up on it while it’s on TV? If so, which characters do you like currently?
I will not lie, I don't watch it. I don't own a TV, to stop me watching crap. I only watch films and dramas that I like now, things like Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones, The Wire and Shadow Line. However, whoever is in it I'm sure they're doing an incredible job.
Aha, well that’s very honest. Thank you. Obviously you are a fantastic actor, and are now focusing your attention on writing and directing. But if you couldn’t do these jobs, what would you like to be doing?
If I couldn't do any of those jobs? That's a tough one. I'd be doing something mundane that I probably wasn't enjoying. Saying that, I've always been into advertising for some reason.
As everyone is aware, the last ever episode to be filmed in Rochdale was broadcasted last month. What are your opinions on the shows move up to Scotland? Do you think it was time for a change?
I don't think it matters where the show is set. I think it's good to encourage Scottish talent and see regional voices and narratives on our screens. My only concern is that it was a move for money and that the cast and crew who have worked hard on the show for many years were not all considered. Some people only found out about the move through reading it in the BBC press release. However in terms of output and content I think the show will probably be as good as ever.
It was fantastic speaking to you! We’re hugely grateful that you've taken the time out to answer our questions.
It was a pleasure talking to you. Take care!
Exclusive Chat with Katie Griffiths (Chlo Grainger) (10th May 2012)
We were privelaged enough to have a quick chat with Katie Griffiths, the actress who played Chlo Grainger in series 1-4, about her time on the show. Here's what she had to say:
Thanks so much for answering our questions. How are you?
I'm great thanks! Yourself?
Everyone on our website knows you best as playing Chlo in Waterloo Road, but what else might they see you in? And do you have any roles coming up?
I've been in Casualty, Rock and Chips and a lot of other programmes too. I'm not acting that much recently, but I have some roles- -lined up which I can't speak about yet but you will soon find out!!
You are a wonderful actress, but if you weren’t in the job that you’re in. What you like to do?
Thank you!! If I wasn't an actress I would have liked to have been an English teacher :)
During your time in Waterloo Road you were such a loved character (and still are now!) but what was your favourite storyline that you covered on the show and why?
The pregnancy storyline was my most memorable. Just because it proves you can fend for yourself even if you are a teenager.
The viewers loved the relationship between Chlo and Donte. But how did you get on in real life with Adam Thomas?
Me too. Me and Adam got on so well. We was like brother and sister, I love Ads!
What about the other cast members? Who did you get along best with and do you still keep in touch with your former colleagues?
Me and Lauren got along so well, and we still do- we're still very close friends! I still talk to Jason (Tom), Jill (Izzie) and- Camilla (Lorna). We're going to have a reunion very soon though!!
Chlo was a lovely character and seemed like the kind of person everyone would love to know! How would you say you compare to Chlo in real life?
Well I used to be cocky like Chlo, and I'd say I'm like Chlo in the way she acts as a person
If you could play any other Waterloo Road character, past or present, who would you choose? And why?
I'd love to have played my on-screen mum Izzie
You played Chlo for four years, what was it like filming those memorable final scenes?
Very sad, it was like I was leaving my second home, it was horrible.
In the past some characters have returned to the show after leaving, if you were given the chance would you ever return? Maybe a trip to see Tom with ‘baby’ Izzie?
Yeah sure I would love to!! If I got asked I definitely would!
Well it would amazing if we got to see Chlo again! As everyone knows, the last ever episode filmed in Rochdale was aired last month (c) as the show has now moved to Scotland. What do you think of the move?
Its a big decision the producers had to make, its always been in Rochdale so it will be a big change for everyone!!
It definitely will, but hopefully the show will remain as great as always! Thanks so much for answering the questions tonight
Yes it will! Your welcome :)
Thanks so much for answering our questions. How are you?
I'm great thanks! Yourself?
Everyone on our website knows you best as playing Chlo in Waterloo Road, but what else might they see you in? And do you have any roles coming up?
I've been in Casualty, Rock and Chips and a lot of other programmes too. I'm not acting that much recently, but I have some roles- -lined up which I can't speak about yet but you will soon find out!!
You are a wonderful actress, but if you weren’t in the job that you’re in. What you like to do?
Thank you!! If I wasn't an actress I would have liked to have been an English teacher :)
During your time in Waterloo Road you were such a loved character (and still are now!) but what was your favourite storyline that you covered on the show and why?
The pregnancy storyline was my most memorable. Just because it proves you can fend for yourself even if you are a teenager.
The viewers loved the relationship between Chlo and Donte. But how did you get on in real life with Adam Thomas?
Me too. Me and Adam got on so well. We was like brother and sister, I love Ads!
What about the other cast members? Who did you get along best with and do you still keep in touch with your former colleagues?
Me and Lauren got along so well, and we still do- we're still very close friends! I still talk to Jason (Tom), Jill (Izzie) and- Camilla (Lorna). We're going to have a reunion very soon though!!
Chlo was a lovely character and seemed like the kind of person everyone would love to know! How would you say you compare to Chlo in real life?
Well I used to be cocky like Chlo, and I'd say I'm like Chlo in the way she acts as a person
If you could play any other Waterloo Road character, past or present, who would you choose? And why?
I'd love to have played my on-screen mum Izzie
You played Chlo for four years, what was it like filming those memorable final scenes?
Very sad, it was like I was leaving my second home, it was horrible.
In the past some characters have returned to the show after leaving, if you were given the chance would you ever return? Maybe a trip to see Tom with ‘baby’ Izzie?
Yeah sure I would love to!! If I got asked I definitely would!
Well it would amazing if we got to see Chlo again! As everyone knows, the last ever episode filmed in Rochdale was aired last month (c) as the show has now moved to Scotland. What do you think of the move?
Its a big decision the producers had to make, its always been in Rochdale so it will be a big change for everyone!!
It definitely will, but hopefully the show will remain as great as always! Thanks so much for answering the questions tonight
Yes it will! Your welcome :)
Rebecca Ryan Interview (10th May 2012)
This morning we were lucky enough to speak exclusively to Rebecca, the actress who formerly played Vicki MacDonald. Here's what she had to say...
Morning Rebecca! As we all know, you are a fabulous actress and where fantastic as Vicki in Waterloo Road. But, have you always wanted to be an actress? And if not, what did you aspire to be?
I've been an Irish dancer since I was 4 so if I wasn't acting, all I would want to do is dance.
Obviously everyone on this website will know you as ‘Vicki MacDonald’ but what else have you been in that they may enjoy?I played Debbie in
Shameless for 6 years. I've also had parts in Emmerdale, Casualty, Holby City and Doctors. I'm doing an episode of Monroe too, but I don't know when that will be out. I've also been in quite a few plays.
That's great, but back to Waterloo Road, you played Vicki for two and half series’ in Waterloo Road and had many fabulous storylines. But what was your favourite and why?
I really liked the pregnancy storyline because it was great to get my teeth into and I could do a lot with it.
We loved that one too! What where the people like on set? Who did you get along best with? And do you still keep in touch with former cast members?
Everyone on set was so lovely, I loved meeting everyone. I keep in touch with Linzey Cocker (Jess) and Ben Ryan Davies (Ronan) the most but I see all the others every now and again.
What about embarrassing stories? Did anything really embarrassing ever happen to you, or others on set?
Erm... no, not that I can really think of.
So we know, in the past, some pupils have returned to the show after leaving. Chelsee Healey, Ben Ryan Davies… but what about you? If given the opportunity, would you consider going back?
I loved every second I was there, it would be nice to go back to see everyone.
Well, we’d definitely love to see you return! Finally, as you know, the final episode filmed in Rochdale was broadcasted last month. How do you feel about the show’s move up to Scotland?
I think it will be as great as it always is! I think it's a really good move.
We totally agree! Well, thanks so much for answering our questions today. We truly loved Vicki on Waterloo Road, and would love to see her back one day! Good luck with everything you’ve got coming up in the near future, you’re going to go far!
Thank you, no worries!
Morning Rebecca! As we all know, you are a fabulous actress and where fantastic as Vicki in Waterloo Road. But, have you always wanted to be an actress? And if not, what did you aspire to be?
I've been an Irish dancer since I was 4 so if I wasn't acting, all I would want to do is dance.
Obviously everyone on this website will know you as ‘Vicki MacDonald’ but what else have you been in that they may enjoy?I played Debbie in
Shameless for 6 years. I've also had parts in Emmerdale, Casualty, Holby City and Doctors. I'm doing an episode of Monroe too, but I don't know when that will be out. I've also been in quite a few plays.
That's great, but back to Waterloo Road, you played Vicki for two and half series’ in Waterloo Road and had many fabulous storylines. But what was your favourite and why?
I really liked the pregnancy storyline because it was great to get my teeth into and I could do a lot with it.
We loved that one too! What where the people like on set? Who did you get along best with? And do you still keep in touch with former cast members?
Everyone on set was so lovely, I loved meeting everyone. I keep in touch with Linzey Cocker (Jess) and Ben Ryan Davies (Ronan) the most but I see all the others every now and again.
What about embarrassing stories? Did anything really embarrassing ever happen to you, or others on set?
Erm... no, not that I can really think of.
So we know, in the past, some pupils have returned to the show after leaving. Chelsee Healey, Ben Ryan Davies… but what about you? If given the opportunity, would you consider going back?
I loved every second I was there, it would be nice to go back to see everyone.
Well, we’d definitely love to see you return! Finally, as you know, the final episode filmed in Rochdale was broadcasted last month. How do you feel about the show’s move up to Scotland?
I think it will be as great as it always is! I think it's a really good move.
We totally agree! Well, thanks so much for answering our questions today. We truly loved Vicki on Waterloo Road, and would love to see her back one day! Good luck with everything you’ve got coming up in the near future, you’re going to go far!
Thank you, no worries!
