ME VS MY CHARACTER: JENNIFER METCALFE

Thursday 29 November

How would you sum up Mercedes' look?

I'd say it's tarty, it's revealing and generally draws attention by getting any body part out and wearing loads of jewellery. Basically, it says 'look at me!'

Mercedes' style can be quite daring. As an actress how do you feel about wearing these kinds of clothes on screen?

Sometimes it can be quite difficult, especially when you have to wear short skirts in the middle of winter. All women have fat days when you don't want to show certain body parts but you just have to grin and bear it and get it all out. I don't mind really, its good fun.

How does your own style differ from your character?

For a night out I tend to go for a sexy, classic sort of look - posh dress, big hair and lots of nice jewellery. During the day if I'm coming into work I'll either wear my pyjamas or baggy pants and a hoody!

What are people most surprised by when they meet you in person having seen you on screen?

Playing a character with such a different style means that you don't get recognised quite as much outside of work. You get mixed opinions but a lot of people comment on how much smaller I am in real life. If I'm out in a big group I expect people to come over but sometimes if I nip out for a girly chat I think people, lads in particular, expect me to be more like Mercedes when really I just want to sit quietly. Generally though it's really flattering when people appreciate what we do and are so passionate about the show.

Were you asked to wear anything special to audition for the part of Mercedes?

We were told to dress up in something over the top but I found that really difficult. I wore skinny black jeans, thigh high boots and a tight white top so I think I did dress a bit tartier than usual. They must have seen something in it for me to get the part!

When you first met with the costume team what was the brief for finding Mercedes' wardrobe?

On our first shopping trip we went to the Trafford Centre and we were definitely looking for sassy, sexy clothes that were also a bit tarty. I was allowed to choose clothes that suited me to some extent although most of it showed off either belly or boobs!

How did it feel the first time that you saw yourself on screen as Mercedes?

Weird, it didn't feel like I was watching myself at all. I've seen myself on TV before so that was ok and I really loved my first episodes but I did look really different! Sometimes I watch myself and think 'why did I pull that face?' but other times I'm quite proud of myself.

If you could change one aspect of Mercedes' style, what would it be?

I'd like to make Mercedes even sexier and often the only thing stopping her from getting a more daring look is my personal body hang-ups. I'd love to see her in hotpants but that won't be happening any time soon because I am quite conscious of my bum!

Is there anything from Mercedes' wardrobe that you would consider taking home to wear as yourself?

No, not Mercedes' but I definitely wouldn't mind having some of Louise's clothes! Roxanne got to wear some gorgeous boots the other day and I have already registered my interest with the costume department!

Finally, which characters do you think have the best and worst looks?

I love Hannah Tointon's character, Katy. Sarah (Loui Batley) also has a really quirky look but she has great legs to pull it off. The worst is definitely Tina or Jacqui, we go into wardrobe every day and laugh at what they have to wear. Luckily they are both gorgeous girls though so they just about get away with it! Outside of the show everyone looks great and the awards ceremonies are a perfect opportunity for us to get dressed up and show off our individual looks.