Katy Carmichael
Plays
Melissa Ryan
DESCRIBE MELISSA AND HER ROLE AT WATERLOO ROAD.
Melissa is Rachel's carefree younger sister. She is very laid back and has a real sense of humour. She is introduced to teach the adult learners in the community and then becomes Head of External Services.
WHAT PLANS DOES MELISSA HAVE FOR TEACHING AT THE SCHOOL?
She wings it to get the teaching job at the school through her sister and enjoys what comes her way....she doesn't have any great vocation to be a teacher.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST AND LEAST ABOUT MELISSA?
She can be a bit self-centred and not very maternal or caring towards her son Philip sometimes... but she's fun and positive full of ideas and a real go getter.
DOES MELISSA HAVE A LOVE INTEREST?
Yes within days of arriving at Waterloo Road she and Eddie have eyes for each other and their romance soon blossoms and becomes serious very quickly.
WHICH CHARACTER AT WATERLOO ROAD DOES MELISSA RELATE BEST TO?
Probably her sister Rachel although they’re like chalk and cheese there’s a strong sisterly bond between them. She’s a very friendly approachable warm person, so gets along with a lot of the pupils and teachers.
WHEN YOU ARRIVED ON THE WATERLOO ROAD SET, WHAT WERE YOUR FIRST
IMPRESSIONS?
It was just like going back to my first day at school...it even smells like a school...everyone was very friendly.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST PROFESSIONAL ACTING ROLE?
I was Billy Boswell’s girlfriend Connie in the very last series of 'Bread' which I filmed at the BBC while I was doing my finals at university.
WHICH ROLE DO YOU THINK YOU'RE BEST KNOWN FOR?
It depends what people watch...it’s normally either Lucy the floozy florist from Corrie from the Peter Barlow bigamy storyline or for cult comedy fans I normally get recognised as Twist from Spaced.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE STORYLINE COMING UP AND WHY?
When Melissa’s secret comes out. It’s a great meaty storyline to play after all the fun romantic stuff with Eddie...lots of tears and tragedy!
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS AFTER FINISHING FILMING THE SERIES?
Spending every moment with my family. I missed them a lot this summer while I was up in Manchester.
HAVE YOU ANY LONG TERM GOALS OR AMBITIONS?
Firstly I’d like to be the best mum I can possibly be for my two tiny children...(which is an undervalued ambition). If there's any time after that then I’d like to do some more theatre. My last job was with Kneehigh Theatre, who are so exciting creatively. Also, I’d like to get my design business off the ground (finally)... though life might have other plans for me!
WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND BROUGHT UP?
Liverpool
WHERE DO YOU LIVE NOW?
Bristol but we spend a lot of time in Cornwall and London too.
WATERLOO ROAD IS FILMED IN ROCHDALE NEAR MANCHESTER, ARE YOU ENJOYING LIVING AND WORKING AROUND MANCHESTER?
I love Manchester, it’s really developed over the last few years...new buildings are springing up everyday...it's a very exciting vibrant city...the Manhattan of the north!
HAVE YOU MANAGED TO SEE MUCH OF THE LOCAL AREA?
Not really – I’ve seen a lot of train stations though going back and forward to see my family in Bristol.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE LOCAL/RESTAURANT?
I’d eat at Wagamama’s nearly every night while I was in Manchester and learn my lines over some noodles. I love Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant in Padstow, Cornwall where I lived for a while.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING IN YOUR SPARE TIME?
Playing with the kids, painting swimming, seeing friends...I even started gardening recently and found that strangely enjoyable!