Carley Stenson

Carley Stenson plays 'Elle Woods' in Legally Blonde The Musical at Savoy Theatre

Place of birth?
Billinge hospital - St Helen's, Lancashire

Did you go to training school, if so which one?
No - Although Winstanley college, which I attended until I was 18, did specialise in theatre.

Briefly tell us how you became involved with Legally Blonde The Musical and how you were 'promoted' from Margot to Elle Woods?
I knew I was leaving Hollyoaks so I auditioned for Legally Blonde. There were 8 rounds till I got Margot! I understudied Elle and was lucky enough to go on a few times. I had lots of rehearsals and lessons to improve. When Susan decided to leave they asked me.

Briefly tell us about the character of Elle Woods that you play in Legally Blonde The Musical.
Elle is naïve, fun, caring, determined. She always sees the good in people and always does the right thing by them.

Career highlight to date?
Being nominated for awards as Steph in Hollyoaks and playing Elle on London's West End stage in a Lawrence Olivier award-winning musical.

What roles would you most like to play?
I would love to play Kim in Miss Saigon - but I doubt I ever will - ha ha!

What's the best advice you've ever received?
'To give it loads', as my Mum always says before any performance. If you're not tired after a show you haven't given it enough. Nothing is impossible.

What has been your most embarrassing moment on stage/TV?
There have been many - like falling over and forgetting my lines!

What is the most annoying part about your job?
If I had to have one it would be not having the weekend to chill and hang out with friends and family.

If you had not become a performer, what might you have done instead?
I love organising events for charity. I love history and teaching children - so something along those lines

Favourite after-show haunts
Mayflower Chinese Restaurant, the Coal hole pub and Sophie's steak house.

Who are your favourite actors/actresses
Albert Finney and Julia Roberts

If you could meet anyone in the world dead or alive who would it be and what would you say to them?
Gene Kelly - I would ask him to dance with me, what advice he had and what was his happiest, proudest moment.

What was the last book you read, and name some of your favourite authors?
I love Roald Dahl. I just read the "Kite Runner." I loved the "Life of Pi" too.

What was the last film you saw, and name some of your favourite movies?
Bridesmaids. Favourite movies - Erin Brockovich and Big Fish

Favourite TV programs?
Friends, Desperate House Wives, Private Practice.

Favourite holiday destinations?
Spain, Florida, Lake District

Do you have any hobbies?
I love animals, horse riding, swimming, seeing my nieces and nephews.

Do you have any superstitions?
I don't walk under ladders!

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three items would you take with you?
Ipod, collection of photos and videos. Skype

What are your future plans?
I would like to play more roles in theatre and maybe a TV drama if I'm lucky.