ME VS MY CHARACTER: CARLEY STENSON
Thursday 6 December
How would you sum up Steph's look?
Tarty and adventurous, but quite cute sometimes!
How does this differ from your personal style?
I can be quite daring but I try not to be tacky like Steph. I usually go for classy, comfy clothes and try to tailor my outfit to the occasion. Generally I hope I'm a bit more balanced than my character! A typical eveing look at the moment would be some high waisted shorts, and a nice silk top with matching pointy high-heeled shoes.
Were you given any clues as to how Steph would look when you auditioned for the part?
No, not at all. I had watched the show but I didn't know which characters I was going to be friends with or very much about my character at all!
Were you surprised when you first saw yourself on screen as Steph?
I was actually really surprised at how young and geeky I looked. I still have quite a baby face although its starting to go now!
You have played Steph for eight years now. How do you think that you have helped her style to evolve over this time?
Its funny because I have never been on a shopping trip for Steph's clothes, even when I first started. Having said that, you do contribute character traits which impact on the style. For example, when Steph began wearing high heels I developed a bit of a strut so I obviously have an influence in that way.
What are the best and worst outfits you have had to wear as Steph?
I don't know where to start with the worst... psychedelic gold leggings, a bright orange dress, a belly dancing costume - there are too many to remember! The best recent outfits were some jumpsuits that Steph had in the summer. I probably wouldn't have picked them up myself but I loved them!
Do you enjoy having the opportunity to experiment with clothes, or would you rather your character had a more similar style to your own?
I definitely find it easier to play a character so different to me. It's great being able to try loads of styles and if it looks bad I can always just blame it on Steph! I think being so daring at work gets it out of my system which is probably why I'm more reserved in my personal style.
If you could change one thing about Steph's look what would it be?
I'd make her wear pretty make up all of the time. Sometimes she gets it right but often it's tarty and harsh. I'd love to soften her overall look!
If you could take one item of Steph's clothing home what would you choose?
The jumpsuits, definitely!!
Finally, if you could steal another character's style whose would it be?
I usually say Louise (Roxanne McKee) but actually I don't think her look would suit me at all. I think it would have to be one of the really girly charcters like Sarah (Loui Batley) or Katy (Hannah Tointon). They always get to wear cute, pretty make up and clothes.
