Ackley Bridge: Interview with Poppy Lee Friar who plays Missy

29 May 2018

For those unfamiliar with the show, explain what Ackley Bridge is all about.

Ackley Bridge is returning with 12 episodes of fun, engaging, moving, relevant stories and strong, colourful interesting characters of different ages and backgrounds. They all centre around the town and school namely Ackley Bridge College and the mischievous antics of school kids, their families and teachers, reflecting a very true to life society in 2018.

 

You play Missy – what’s she like?

Missy has a complicated life. She has to play mum to her sister and even her own mum Simone, who struggles with addiction. Having lost Nana, seen in episode 4 last series, she could quite easily crumble, but Missy is a fighter and loves her sister Hayley and her best mate Nas so much that she powers on with love and humour. She’s feisty and can often let her emotions get the better of her, sometimes getting into fights at school, but she has a heart of gold and is kind and loyal.

 

What do you enjoy about playing her?

I love her sense of humour even though she has many struggles to overcome. I love her strong and true friendship with Nas and the dynamic between the two characters. On the flip side I enjoy playing opposite Sam Powers as Missy’s mum Simone. Their relationship is very difficult yet part of Missy still loves her deeply and wishes things could be normal. Missy is very responsible and mature in many ways but perhaps because of the demands of her home life, she's immature in many others, which is interesting to play. She’s fun, savvy, often mercurial, has deep buried emotions, extroverted, tough, sensitive… She’s just a very well rounded young female character!

 

She’s had quite a lot of upheaval in her young life. Is it too much to hope for a little stability this series?

Simone still manages to let her down and Missy ends up having to work on a burger van to pay off debt left by her mum’s new boyfriend. This obviously has an effect on her school work too, and with GCSE’s approaching, the stress of it all has a negative impact. She still has a lot of responsibility on her shoulders but gets on with it in true Missy style.

 

Missy’s not had much time for romance. Is there a possibility of that changing, this series?

Missy will be introduced to a little love this series. It’s sweet and warming to see her happy, however this is truly the first time she's ever considered anyone worthy enough to enter her world romantically and long term. Even so, she still doesn't quite know how to deal with the feelings and situation.

 

How do you think you and Missy would get along in real life? What would you make of each other?

I would admire Missy. Her courage and street smarts. Her iconic style! How she fights for what she believes in. We’re not very alike so I’m sure she’d probably find me quite boring! But I like her freedom despite the restrictions of her lifestyle. She’d give me good advice and is a good judge of character. I’d tell her to stop getting into physical fights at school and talk it out maybe because she’s very intelligent, but I still secretly love that fiery nature.

 

You have loads of scenes with Amy – how do you enjoy working together?

Amy and I really do have a brilliant time together on and off set. We’re laughing constantly (apart from when we’re acting of course, but sometimes even then - when required!) We share lots of comedy references and fire off of each other which is perfect for our characters. We’re also very different! Just like Missy and Nas, but more like the other ones character in real life we often joke. She’s a consummate professional which I totally respect, interesting, funny, talented, lovable, insightful, quick witted. I’m very lucky to act opposite her and bring to the screen the honesty of our friendship and camaraderie in real life. We support each other very well I think.

 

Was it more fun doing series two, because you all know each other, and know what you’re doing?

It’s always interesting to start a job, fleshing out the characters and gauging how your fellow cast members and directors work. Come series two, it’s like picking up where you left off. The initial uncertainty has vanished and the work flows more like a well-oiled machine. We’re all in sync and enjoy working with each other even more, comfortable in each other’s company with brilliant shared memories from last time.

 

Do you have time to all socialise together in the evenings, or is the filming schedule just too hectic?

The schedule is often hectic so it can be difficult. But we do often go for a lovely get together meal and catch up. Sometimes our paths don't cross due to storylines so it makes it even more special and important to get together and talk about what’s happening in all our lives on and off set. It really is a lovely group of people that work on the show, good souls with different experiences that you can learn so much from. That’s the beauty of this industry as well, getting to meet all these wonderful people.

 

Ackley Bridge is filled with strong women. Is that important to you?

Strong female leads and strong women off screen! It’s empowering and also important for all viewers but especially young viewers. It’s important for representation to be balanced and diverse. I do love that Missy and Nas in particular are central to this show and that their friendship is so strong. Look at French and Saunders, Thelma and Louise, C.C and Hilary (Beaches), Muriel and Rhonda (Muriel’s Wedding). I love those relationships represented on screen. Women empower each other so Ackley Bridge putting Missy and Nas’ friendship and all the other strong female leads at the forefront of the show is a great thing!

 

Did you get an impression from the locals as to what they made of the series?

Everyone I have spoken to not just locals, have been so positive about the show! Online feedback has been so warming and supportive. I don’t think about it at all when I’m on set and shooting because I’m just being Missy, but when the show reaches out to people and provokes an enthusiastic reaction it means we’re doing something right! People are engaged, moved and enjoy the stories and characters. Personally my feedback from Hayley’s care and Nana’s death storyline from episode four last year was really very moving. The comments were truthful and people were genuinely moved. It’s such a powerful thing we can do in this industry to reach out to people. The local girls I have seen or spoken to can definitely identify with Missy though, especially through the topknot and eyebrows!

 

What were you like at school? Detention or distinction?

Distinction I’m afraid. I think I definitely secretly wanted to be the rebel. But I was like Hermoine Grainger. I did enjoy my lessons though and learning. I've always enjoyed being creative, in drama and art class in particular, which serves me well today as I still do both of course. The only detention I think I had was for messy hair and make-up when I attempted something very similar to Missy one day!