By Amy Barrett
Ali Bastian is an English actress, best known for playing Becca Dean in the Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks and PC Sally Armstrong in ITV’s drama series The Bill. I pulled her in for an interview to discuss her latest role in feature film Undercover Hooligan.
Q. Do you think in the foreseeable future you would like to return to Hollyoaks?
That would be lovely but my character died! I’m not even sure I could do a Harold Bishop from Neighbours and reappear as we actually showed a scene where they were trying, and failing to resuscitate Becca.
Q. What are your plans for the future?
At the moment I’m loving making movies so much, I’m hoping that will continue. I’ve also enjoyed working across theatre and television, so I’m open to all possibilities. After playing one character for 6 years on Hollyoaks and then Sally Armstrong for three years on ITV’s The Bill – I’m loving having such a varied career. I also have a romantic comedy out in March 17 which was very different to shooting Undercover but equally great fun.
Q. Which do you prefer stage work or television?
That’s always a really tough question, I think that may be like asking which one of your children you prefer!? I love them both equally – I love the intimacy of working on camera and the bonds that develop between cast and crew – equally, the buzz of a live audience is always very exciting.
Q. Would you like to take part in any other reality shows? If so which one?
I was a semi-finalist in Strictly Come dancing in 2009 and it was an incredible, life changing experience. Never say never, but I can’t really see myself at this stage doing any other ones.. Strictly gives you an incredible gift, the gift of dance training and I still dance regularly today.. I’m not sure if there is any other show quite like it.
Q. For your role in Undercover what was your reaction to your character Dc Baker?
Nick Winter our Writer/Director writes wonderful, strong female character’s and I knew as soon as I read the script that this was a project I wanted to be involved in. She is compassionate and being undercover in the terrifying word of people trafficking has clearly affected her deeply but she is not completely defined by this, she is a very efficient cop and has vast inner reserves of strength.
Q. Who is your most memorable character you have played?
I think on some level they all are. I do not believe that as actors we completely morph into entirely other humans – the characters we play will always be discovered through the lens of our own individual experience – and in that respect, they are all a little part of us. I know not everybody sees it that way, but I feel our relationship with character can be as intimate as the relationship we have with ourselves.
Q. Can you tell us a bit about the film Undercover Hooligan?
Undercover Hooligan follows Michael Clark, a suspended police officer who is sent undercover to infiltrate a notorious people trafficking ring. It’s a gritty, heart stopping London brit flick with a conscience. It shines a light on a humanitarian issue that is sadly as prevalent as ever.
