GIVE A DESCRIPTION OF THE CHARACTER YOU PLAY:
She is a fourteen year old girl, new to the school with Asperger's syndrome. Karla has difficulty interacting with others but she longs for friendship. She has a talent for logical subjects and is comforted by routines and organisation. When people first meet Karla they don't know how to handle her and that can lead to upsets and violent outbursts. She isn't malicious but just wants to protect herself.

YOUR CHARACTER HAS ASPERGER'S SYNDROME, HOW DID YOU PREPARE TO PLAY THIS ROLE?
A few books were recommended to me by friends that dealt with the issue of Asperger's and were very helpful. Among these were the Mark Haddon novel 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time', and an autobiography by Daniel Tammet. I've spoken to social workers about their experiences with children with Asperger syndrome and been in regular contact with a friend who works with children on the autistic spectrum.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT KARLA?
I like her honesty and the fact that there's nothing petty about her. She is a sweet and intelligent character to play, I'm lucky to have such a great role.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE LEAST ABOUT KARLA?
Her inability to connect with people means that she's very easily led and sometimes naive to people’s more sinister intentions. This can make her a target for bullying, something which a lot of kids can relate to.

WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR CHARACTER IF YOU MET THEM?
I would probably react similarly to the way that Aleesha and Danielle do when they first meet Karla, but being aware of Asperger's syndrome would help me understand her better.

WHICH CHARACTER AT WATERLOO ROAD DOES YOUR CHARACTER RELATE TO BEST?
Aleesha and Danielle are Karla's friends in school, but Miss Shackleton is assigned to help her in class and takes her under her wing.

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN A VICTIM OF BULLYING?
When I first went to high school I didn't know anyone and had a weird haircut. That led to a bit of name calling but it soon wore off.

ANY WORDS OF ADVICE TO KIDS WHO ARE VICTIMS OF BULLYING?
Mostly its jealousy, whether verbal or physical if someone is making you unhappy, the best thing to do is to tell someone you trust. You're never alone!

WERE YOU GOOD AT SPORT AT SCHOOL?
I was on the swim team at primary school that's about it.

HOW DO YOU KEEP IN SHAPE NOWADAYS?
Recently I've been going the gym whenever I can and I try to eat sensibly.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT SCHOOL DINNERS?
They should be homemade and use fresh ingredients. Like back in the day when my Nan was head cook at school.

WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND BROUGHT UP?
I'm originally from Doncaster, but brought up in Lancashire.

WHERE DO YOU LIVE NOW?
I live in Chorley in Lancashire.

IF YOU HAD TO TEACH WHAT SUBJECT WOULD YOU LIKE TO TEACH MOST?
Drama would be the most fun to teach, but a lot of hard work.

ARE THE CLASSROOMS AND CORRIDORS OF WATERLOO ROAD THE SAME AS WHEN YOU WERE AT SCHOOL OR CAN YOU SEE CHANGES?
Well I only left sixth Form in May so yeah a lot of similarities.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST PROFESSIONAL ACTING ROLE?
When I was seven I played Lucy Snow in 'Where The Heart Is' from series 1 to 6.

WERE YOU A MEMBER OF THE DRAMA CLUB ETC AT SCHOOL?
I wasn't in a club, but I was among a few students who were selected to perform an abstract version of Macbeth at the Bolton Albert Halls. Also in Sixth Form we devised some great performances for exam work.

WHAT HAVE YOU ENJOYED MOST ABOUT RECORDING WATERLOO ROAD?
I love playing Karla she's such a meaty character. The cast and crew are fantastic and I feel lucky to have worked with such great people.

HAVE YOU HAD A HOLIDAY THIS YEAR?
I just had a weekend away in London to see a show.

WHAT ARE YOU HOPING TO DO AFTER FINISHING FILMING THE SERIES?
I'm hoping to have a proper holiday. I also have the option to go to Drama school.

HAVE YOU ANY LONG TERM GOALS OR AMBITIONS FOR THE FUTURE?
I want to keep working, get great parts and try to learn as much as I can as I go along.