Interview: Alexandria Riley (Natalie Tucker)

What attracted you to the role of Natalie?

What attracted me to Natalie was the fact that straight away, I knew who she was. I recognised her and I related to her. The scripts I was sent for the audition were just hilarious - they really gripped me. She was just so quick-witted with a really sharp tongue. And it reminded me of my family - in how we communicate with one another, in that we’re very loud with colourful language. We don’t get into the hilarious situations that the Tuckers get into but I just loved how bold she was but with a heart of gold.

She doesn’t mind telling people what she thinks of them, but it all comes from a really loving place. She’s happy to really cut you down but also do what’s best for them in the next breath. And it’s just really warm and really Welsh, so I just loved it.

Do you have any standout moments during filming?

There were a few. There’s a scene where a lot of things go wrong for Natalie and they all come to a head, and we see this really heart-breaking moment of vulnerability for her and the way it’s shot is absolutely beautiful. We watched a short clip back and it really takes your breath away.

What should the audience expect from the series?

They should expect a barrel of laughs - it’s going to be absolutely hilarious. But I think every audience member will recognise at least one character from their day to day life. It’s going to be one of those where you look at the family and think: “That’s my Nan!” or “That’s my sister/brother!”. That’s what’s beautiful about it, they’re so real and raw. They can also expect a lot of heart, they’ll care about this family just because of how much this family care about each other.

Tell us a little bit about your co-stars and what it’s been like working with them?

It’s got to be the warmest and best job I have ever done. Not that I don’t love every job I’ve done, but this job felt like everyone, from the cast to the crew to the executives and producers were the Tuckers.

I talk to Steve Speirs and Lynn Hunter and the rest of the cast every day. We’re all there for each other. Steve is just the most hilarious person I’ve ever, ever met. So he was absolutely superb. Robert Pugh is a fantastic actor, he was just so amazing. My daughter is in the series as well which was just so special.

Every day felt like you were just going to your Nan’s house!

Read an interview with Robert Pugh and Lynn Hunter here.