Last Monday I had the immense pleasure of being in sunny Salford, in a posh ITV Coronation Street media suite* to listen to Vicky Myers tell us about DS Swain's latest investigation: her daughter!
Hi Vicky, We are now learning more about Lisa's backstory. How important has it been for you to learn about Lisa's family background and her story?
"It's massively important! What we do, it's all about displaying truth and authenticity for the characters we play. To know that, and the tragic death of Becky, the impact it would have had on their relationship. I ask myself, I wonder what it was like before as the three of them, how it has changed, and the impact the death would have had on Betsy, with her being in her early teens. Lisa thought she was doing the right thing by returning to work, but, it appears to have pushed Betsy further away"
You've been in the show a while and we are now getting a more 'rounded' Lisa with the casting of her daughter Betsy. How important was it, and how much were you involved in the casting process?
"I was very involved, which was brilliant, and thanks to the team here for giving me that opportunity. It was quite tense, and I was involved in the initial shortlist, the screen test, quite a few screen tests and I also learnt so much about what's potentially going to happen. We did a few scenes we may see - in time to come!"
What is the relationship like between Betsy and Lisa?
"To put it mildly, it's strained, fractured, and very broken: they are both vulnerable. Lisa remembers being a teenager: if told not to do something, she would have done it, regardless. Lisa is fiercely protective of her now the family dynamic has changed, but she can't be too much of a disciplinarian as she's now 16"
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| Betsy Blackmails Carla? |
How would Lisa feel if she learned what Betsy has been up to with Joel and Carla?
"I think she would be furious! Lisa brought her up with morals and because of the profession, she's in. Also, blackmail is contrived, and she would want to know why Betsy felt she needed to do that. She would be disappointed"
Lisa is quite a cool customer and doesn't have many friends, but appears to have made one in Carla. What is it about Carla, that has made Lisa show vulnerability, and a blossoming friendship forming?
"the car scene (they shared) where Lisa was very vulnerable, Carla showed some vulnerability too and shared a bit of her life, the story about Liam, and with Peter. I think she can see a lot of herself in Carla: they are similar in many ways -she's a powerful woman - opinionated, and a businesswoman with a huge heart. I think it would be lovely for her to have a friend"
What has the public reaction been to Lisa?
"It's been pretty overwhelming, actually, in a lovely way. I've received many messages, letters, and friendship bracelets. It's been a real privilege and honour to portray this character. People can relate to her. Representation and inclusivity are so important: with that comes responsibility. I do take that on board and not take it lightly. To receive so many letters is quite something"
Thanks, Vicky!
At the start of this interview, Vicky noticed my 'Roy Cropper Is Innocent' T-shirt and joked that she should have worn hers. She looked across at me (very arresting eyes) and I swear I thought I was heading for Weatherfield Police Station, lol! Jokes aside, she's a fab character/actress and it's clear I'm not the only one that thinks that!
What are your thoughts on DS Swain's backstory? Let me know I am @rybazoxo on X
* Do you remember Rowan taking Leanne to that restaurant in last week's episode? I'm 99% certain this was that same room. Keep your eyes peeled for my next cast interview for more on that story!
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