Former Coronation Street favourite Nikki Sanderson joins the cast as a witness to a murder when just 13 years old
Can you tell us about your character Lara?
Lara’s a bubbly character who has a strong side to her, but you get the impression that she’s vulnerable on the inside. Lara was a witness in a murder case many years ago, when she was 13. Chris, who was jailed for the murder, is released so the case gets reopened.
The victim was Lara’s friend so it brings back a lot of memories and opens old wounds as she has to be re- interviewed. One of her friends changes her statement, but Lara is adamant that her statement is still true.
How does she feel when her testimony is doubted?
She’s a very strong, independent character and she’s not willing to change her statement. She strongly suspects that Chris is the murderer as she’s had bad experiences with him in the past, so she’s still convinced that he’s guilty and remains steadfast in her conviction.
Lara has a bit of an attitude and is quite abrupt with people, because she’s so frustrated she’s being doubted.
Did you enjoy playing Lara?
Lara was fantastic to play. I really enjoyed it. She has a strong assertive personality and she speaks her mind, but you do see a softer side to her, as she breaks down at points. Although I don’t have one of the major parts in the episode she’s quite integral to the storyline.
She goes on a real emotional rollercoaster and there are a lot of different aspects to her character. I’m really enjoying being a jobbing actress and I’m very fortunate that I’ve been able to play so many different parts since leaving Coronation Street.
Did you enjoy working with the other stars in this series? Did you work with Matthew Kelly and Russell Brand?
I didn’t get to work with Matthew Kelly, and I wasn’t in any scenes with Russell Brand either. I have met both of them before when I went on their shows. Russell Brand is a lovely man and I can imagine that he was brilliant at his part. I did get to work with Jemma Redgrave which was fantastic.
Do you have any stories from filming?
We filmed in a beautiful picturesque village which was lovely, and filming was pretty smooth. My character had ups and downs emotionally which was good. It’s great to be part of something like Cold Blood and Matthew Kelly is absolutely amazing.
You’ve been busy since leaving Coronation Street, what’s coming up next for you?
I’m really enjoying playing such a variety of characters. I’m in a play in Nottingham in June called Living Under One Roof. It’s set in 1961, and I’m really looking forward to it.
