At the very start of the series Amber is described as having complete disrespect for the rules – is that her very essence?
There’s a little bit of disrespect, but it’s also not knowing what the rules are. She’s in her own world, so maybe if she knew what the rules are, she’d try to follow them. She doesn’t pay much attention, so she might flout the rules occasionally but that’s through inattention. I’m a bit like that.
How would you describe Amber?
I feel like she could be me, but if I was always smoking and my head was pure fog. She’s laid back, she doesn’t know what she’s doing in the job, and she doesn’t want to work there. I love that kind of person. What she’s passionate about is smoking weed and that’s her strongest personality trait – when she’s at work all she can think about is going for a smoke.
She’s naive, although she can be a bit of a daredevil, and she’s filterless, too, but it’s not because she’s rude. I also thought she’s the type of person who could easily be scammed.
What does she want to do with her life?
I don’t think she has any realistic aims and she just wants the luxuries of life without doing anything. Her two interests are smoking and Australia, so smoking in Australia would be the ultimate goal.
Not that she knows anything about Australia – I don’t think she knows Melbourne or Sydney exist. To her, Australia is a single place. If she went to Australia she’d work in a shoe shop and dream of Peterborough.
What appealed to you about the script and character?
I love workplace shows and I love the way all of the characters have no passion for what they’re doing and are all just trying to get paid. It’s been amazing to work on Sneakerhead and I’ve always wanted to be a comedy actor. I was so excited to audition for the role.
Have you ever worked in retail?
I never got a job because I have no GCSEs and I’d be terrible, because I wouldn’t be able to work the till.
I do feel like I’d be the perfect customer for Sports Depot, because I’m the type of person who avoids talking to sales assistants in shops. I hate it. At Sports Depot the staff don’t want to speak to customers and it’s lucky they don’t want help, because the staff aren’t great at helping.
What does the show say about the gig economy?
I think it shows how divorced management are from the staff. In one episode Tim (Preston), who plays George the Area Manager, comes to the shop and doesn’t know anyone’s name or even care what’s happening to them as individuals. I’ve not worked in retail, but I think it shows how staff might feel.
What did you most enjoy about filming?
This sounds like a cliché, but working with the cast. It was so funny and every day we had such a good time. This is the first show I’ve worked on and I loved every day I was there. Even waking up early every day was worth it.
Which scenes were the hardest to film?
Scenes with Mark, because he’s so deadpan it was so hard not to laugh. He’s hilarious. I saw him in Mandy – my favourite show – and I thought, “I get to work with him now!”
How important is streetwear culture to you?
I am honestly so bad with fashion – I do not know what goes with what at all. I’m all about comfort so I do love the oversized style in streetwear culture. I might steal Amber’s looks because it’s chilled and comfy.
Are you a sneakerhead and, if so, how many trainers do you own?
Last year I went through a phase of trying new things, like having hair extensions and buying loads of shoes. I’m the type of person who will wear one pair of shoes every day until I can see my toes. I bought about ten pairs of trainers – I don’t know the names of them – and it was more about collecting them. Before that phase I had one pair of shoes.
The trainer version of Shag, Marry, Avoid – go…
Shag Nike Air Forces, marry Jordans, and I’d definitely avoid Skechers.
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