ME VS MY CHARACTER: SUMMER STRALLEN

Thursday 22 November

How would you describe your character's style? Do you think what she wears represents her personality?

Obviously Summer is quite theatrical, she loves musical theatre and anything to do with show business. She likes eccentric people and I suppose she herself is a little bit eccentric in her style. She wears a lot of jumper dresses and Pashminas, mainly in bold, block colours. Maybe she thinks the purples and greys bring out the colour in her eyes - that seems to be her kind of thought process.

How is Summer's style different to what you would wear?

My character Summer is different in lots of ways. For one, she likes big jewellery - huge rings and big bracelets - which is not like me at all. I wear two rings, one from my mum and one from my partner, and that's it. Summer's a lot bolder than me too, which represents her character to some extent. I'm a real shoe girl and I love high heels. I have to wear a lot of flats in the show which is something I find really difficult. I try and wear heels as much as they will let me!

Aside from flat shoes, what items of Summer's clothes do you find most difficult to wear?

The skinny jeans are the worst I think. I don't want my bottom to look big on TV the same as any girl! Summer's jumper dresses can be unforgiving too; they show off every lump and bump!

How different is it when you have your hair and make up done for awards and events compared to when you are being made up as your character?

Obviously on camera you have to wear more make up than you would normally because of the camera light, which is great if you have a spot because it is instantly covered. I do prefer being made up as me though; it's a far more natural look.

Now that you are in HOLLYOAKS do you feel pressure to look good all of the time?

Yes, there is pressure but that doesn't mean I do look good all of the time. I come into work in my pyjamas sometimes but it doesn't matter because we get our hair and make up done, which is great! I suppose when I'm out and about there is more pressure to look good but at the end of the day I've got my own style and I'm comfortable with that. I don't read magazines to find out what's 'in', I'd rather just walk down the high street and pick things out for myself - providing they are not too expensive!

And finally, if you could choose another character's style who would it be and why?

I love Hannah Tointon's character Katy Fox, she always looks so pretty. Hannah has a really fashionable style outside of the show too. I also like Sarah Barnes' style in the show but I think a lot of this is down to Loui Batley (who plays Sarah) and her confidence in wearing the more daring outfits they give her - she's a real fashionista too! Sarah is always wearing shorts and tight jeans and they look fantastic. I guess I'm a wannabe fashionista, I'd love to wear those kinds of things but I think high fashion is a difficult look to attain, especially when it's based on models.