Actress Gaynor Faye is a small screen favourite who has appeared in shows including Playing The Field and Fat Friends, both from the pen of her mother, Kay Mellor.
She is also an ice queen - and in 2006 was crowned the inaugural Dancing on Ice Champion.
Most recently occupied with a lengthy stay in Emmerdale, she left the Dales late last year to take on the role of Rose in the stage version of Band of Gold.
This evening (Monday) Band of Gold begins a six-day stay at Milton Keynes Theatre. The curtain hasn't even risen yet, but we are certain this will be a season highlight.
Gaynor talked theatre with Total MK...
Tell us about your first memory of the theatre
Bradford Alambra Pantomime, and on the way home Band of Gold was formulated.
And the moment when you realised the theatre was your calling
Playing Dorothy in Gregory's Girl at High School. I loved hearing the audiences reaction and laughs – it gave me a real buzz!
Any dreadful calamities or funny happenings on stage that you would care to share with us?
I was touring with The Office Party and it was our first show. In rehearsals I'd always used an imaginary phone...so, I picked up the imaginary phone, only the prop phone was still there ringing...
Which stage actor, living or dead, would you like to meet, and what question would you ask them?
Tim Curry. He exudes confidence and charisma. I'd ask him endless questions about The Rocky Horror Show – it was such a big part of my coming of age.
Do you have any superstitions, or pre-performance routines?
No, just breathe!
The best piece of advice given to you when you started in the business
The audience are on your side – they are rocking for you. So show off!
What do you think has been your steepest learning curve?
How physically demanding theatre is compared to most television, especially on two show days.
How do you fill your spare time while on tour
Reading, eating and chanting – I'm a buddhist
Nerves or excitement? Which take over just before the curtain rises?
They are the same thing – adrenaline is needed for a great performance. Change the nerves to excitement and centre.
How can the future of theatre be safeguarded? What would you do to entice new blood to audiences?
Make sure it is accessible and affordable for everybody. New work, new voices and variety.
Finally, why should audiences take a ticket to see Band of Gold?
Because it has everything – grit, human, romance, crime and tears! Nothing has changes since 1995 when the TV show was on prime time playing to 15 million viewers. You leave the theatre having been on a rollercoaster of emotions and satisfied that the women have hope!
Band of Gold runs at Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday, March 14. To book tickets click here
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