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Q. Describe Lara in 5 words.
A. Resourceful, Adventurous, Challenging, Sensitive, Direct.
Q. How has Lara developed over series XVII?
A. Following her stint in prison, Lara's learnt to become more measured and thoughtful in her actions. She?s more tentative about her personal choices and has a fear of intimacy since Patrick?s death. She hides herself behind her medical brilliance and is relying on just that to satisfy her needs. Harry and Dillon manage to boost her self-esteem and give her a sense of security again. Her relationship with Harry?s daughter, Tally, has restored her ability to help others while bringing out a nurturing side to her personality, which was only ever present in her work.
Q. What's been the public's reaction to your character?
A. Well there was a big campaign on our Casualty website called Free Lara - everyone was obsessed with Lara's freedom. When I first joined the show, there were two groups called the Hollyites (fans of Holly) and the Laraites (fans of Lara). I used to get heaps of fan mail saying 'I used to be a Hollyite and now I'm a Laraite' etc.
Q. What's in store for Lara in Series XVIII?
A. Lara?s mainly focusing on her career this series, working at the best she can be and making herself invaluable to the department. The Rapid Response team work brings an excitement to her job reminiscent of her days working for Medicins Sans Frontieres during the civil war in Sierra Leone.
However, there will come a time when that is not enough and she?ll be looking for ways in which to enrich her personal life as well. Whether or not that?s to be in the shape of a romance, we will have to wait and see.
Q. Does the train crash affect Lara?
A. Lara doesn't get too personally involved. She's witness to a lot of mayhem and I think the strongest moment for her is when she delivers a baby. She tries to remain as professional and detached as she can. How it affects other people in the department does ultimately have an impact on her.
Q. What was it like filming in Peterborough for the train crash?
A. It was great and very well planned. We were filming from 7pm - 7am and sleeping during the day. We had a fantastic winnibago for all the actors to sleep in because we were filming at night and there were times when we were sitting around for hours.
Q. Can you tell us a bit about the Harry and Lara storyline coming up?
A. There's a bit of role-reversal. Harry was very supportive when Lara came out of jail and helped her to get back on her feet. Now that Harry's lost his wife, Lara decides to return the favour by supporting him and helps him come to terms with Simon and Tally.
Q. What does Lara do?
A. She's just there for him. Harry Harper's a strong man and doesn't like to show his vulnerable side. Being that little bit closer to Harry, Lara can see the man's going off the rails and she is the only one who Harry will let in on his pain. From that moment on, she encourages him.
However, Harry interpretes Lara's kindness as something more and gets embroiled in an unrequited love situation which turns into something else which I can't tell you more about...!
Q. What have been your highs and lows since joining Casualty?
A. A personal high this year has been the purchase of my first property. I?ve bought a flat in a converted Georgian house in Cotham, Bristol. I?ve just had the bathroom done and my favourite way to relax is to take a bath in my big tub.
A personal low is spending time away from my partner, Simon, who lives and works in London. On a professional level, a high is certainly that I am enjoying the growth and popularity of my character, Lara. And the low is saying goodbyes to friends in the cast who have left, like Zita and Adjoa.
Q. What is occupying your time and mind at the moment?
A. My exercise regime. I?m really into getting fit at the moment. I?ve got a professional teaching me the mental and physical aspects of effective exercise. It?s a bit like cross-training.
Taken from BBC Casualty.
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