How does it feel to be playing the daughter of Brookside’s Jacqui Dixon, who was played by your real-life mother, Alex Fletcher?
I heard so much about Brookside when I was growing up. My parents met when they were both working on the show, my dad Neil doesn’t act anymore, but obviously my mum now plays Diane Hutchinson on Hollyoaks. Brookside is a big part of my family and who I am.
Tell us about your character, Esme…
She’s a Liverpool girl, really confident. She loves a party and knows what she wants and how to get it, but not in a bolshie way. I’d say she’s witty and a bit mysterious. We meet Esme in the scenes on Brookside Close, then get to know her better in the Hollyoaks Later episodes. She ends up in a little bit of drama that she didn’t mean to be a part of.
Is she similar to Jacqui?
From the scenes I’ve watched of Jacqui, I saw she wasn’t afraid to call people out or take the mickey. There’s a moment where Esme really sticks up for someone, so I’d say she’s definitely got similar traits to her mum. She knows when something isn’t right, she’s quite quick and a bit fiery as well.
What was it like the first time you stepped on the Close?
It felt nostalgic for me, even though I’d never been before. The first time I went was with my mum the week before filming. It was really great, Mum was smiling from ear to ear, it was nice to see her be somewhere she dedicated so much of her life to, and where her career started to take off. It felt really full circle. She took loads of pictures, and was excited for me. I get to have a nod to her character in my scenes.
Who did you get to work with from the returning cast?
I had a scene with Sue Johnston (Sheila Grant), I didn’t get to work with Ricky Tomlinson (Bobby Grant) but I saw him on set. It was so cool to be with such iconic stars. Everybody made me feel very welcome, Brookside was their stomping ground but they all made me feel like I’d been on board just as long as them, it was great.
Would you like Jacqui and Esme to be in a scene together?
I would absolutely love that, I’m sure my mum would say the same. We haven’t had the opportunity to act together yet but I think one day it will happen. We work well together, all my auditions and self-tapes I do them with her.
Did your parents inspire you to pursue acting?
They were a huge influence. My mum never forced me into doing it, I think she kind of persuaded me to try and do something other than act at times to be honest! I’ve always wanted to do it since I can remember andI’ve got a really good mentor at home.
What did she teach you about starting in the industry at a young age?
It’s just about your reputation and being a good person and professional on set. She was young when she started and had to grow up quite quickly in an environment with loads of adults. Also, the fact she’s been doing it for so long and juggling it with being a mum is inspiring, she’s got a good balance with everything.
What can we tease about Esme’s role in Hollyoaks Later?
There’s a kind of 90s-style rave party, which takes a turn for the worst. Esme interacts with characters like Lucas and Dillon, and there’s a very special moment with Frankie. I think a lot of people will appreciate it after what the character of Frankie has been through.
Will we see Esme again?
I think so, but as of now nothing is in place. That’s not to say Esme can’t come back so maybe in the future we will see her again. It would be funny if she had a scene with Diane, people’s heads will be wrecked!
Are there any Brookside storylines you’ve heard about you’d like to go back and see more of?
I should go back and watch the first on screen lesbian kiss between Beth and Margaret. That’s an example of how Brookside showed things that were unspoken and you didn’t see on telly. There’s so much more exposure now, its huge to think they were the first to do that. …
Hollyoaks Later at 22:05 Wednesday 22 October on E4
Catch up on Hollyoaks at Channel 4 Streaming! Click for more Hollyoaks spoilers.