Describe your character in Stan Lee’s Lucky Man.
Lily-Anne is a deliciously devilish character who was born into a world of crime. Her father is a big player in the underworld of London but meets his maker in the first episode. Being the sole heir to his empire, Lily-Anne falls under the suspicion of DI Harry Clayton (James Nesbitt), who is convinced that she is somehow involved in her father’s death. She has absolutely no regard for the law or what is right or wrong and it was such a joy to play someone like that. I would not necessarily call her a villain though; she’s just ‘misunderstood’.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
The power to manage stress and remain calm in any situation. It is not as exciting as flying or X-ray vision, but it is something I would use every day. I read that our bodies have not evolved to deal with the industrial and technological developments of the last century and as such, rates of chronic stress, depression and medication is increasing every year. So perhaps it is not too far-fetched to believe the ability to calmly go through life can be considered a superpower.

Why did you decide to pursue a degree in Law?
I have always had a strong sense of morality and feel very unsettled by any injustice. Perhaps it comes from being born into a China which had been destroyed by the Cultural Revolution, and whose lack of democracy that meant citizens had no say in basic life choices (e.g. One Child Policy). Watching legal dramas growing up would sometimes move me to tears. To be able to change the course of justice and indeed someone else’s future based on your words, reasoning and passion of conviction are, in some cases, nothing short of saving a life.

Had your dual identity (English/Chinese) helped you with your acting career?
Yes and no. The best analogy to explain this would be fish in ponds. Being an ethnic minority actor, your pond is smaller i.e. there are fewer roles available. But this also means there are fewer fish in your pond, i.e. less competition. I do not think big or little ponds are better or worse; they are just different. The real frustration comes however when your ethnicity limits you from opportunity to read for certain roles. Despite the industry waking up to the need for diversity, it seems that this ‘diversity’ is still very much focussed on black and white. I don’t think they have taken into account everything else in between.

Name three actors/actresses you would like to work with.
Denise Gough. I saw her in the stage show, ‘People, Places and Things’ and she made me feel things I am aware I have buried away for a while. She also reminded me why I love my job. I have been a huge fan ever since I heard her interviewed on the Honest Actors’ Podcast. Her attitude and fearlessness is more than refreshing and exactly what this industry needs. Lena Dunham. Firstly, she is somewhat of a genius. Secondly, if you are working with Lena then no doubt the project is bloody brilliant as she has probably written or produced it herself. I admire anyone who creates and performs in their own work. Robin Williams. I know I will never get to work with him, but I had to mention him. It breaks my heart that my childhood dream of working with him will never be fulfilled. I grew up with his films. I am sure ‘Dead Poets Society’ influenced my personality in some way. He is one of the most inspiring performers and it saddens me beyond words that he died the way he did.

What’s next for you?
I feel very passionate about creating my own work now. After doing stand-up at Edinburgh Fringe Festival last year, I am determined to write and perform a solo show in the near future. I also fell in love with documentary making. Having been involved in two for the BBC, I am now developing my own feature length film about a subject close to my heart. Ironically, I remember when I was a newbie jobless actor, someone advised: ‘If you can’t get work, make your own’. It sounds so flippant now – as if the latter is easier? I have huge respect for anyone who creates anything. At times, it seems nigh on impossible to make something out of nothing. But what else do we have? I think growth is about leaving your comfort zone and finding that thing that forces you out of bed every morning with a spring in your step. (Coffee also helps of course!)

Interview by Chia-Chan Mo
Photography by Andrea Vecchiato
Beauty by Gloria Penaranda
Hair by Stanley Watts @ The King’s Canary Salon
Styling by Caroline Eklind @Inexcess Fashion. Clothes by Custommade