Since shooting to fame as Coronation Streets sex kitten barmaid Tanya Pooley, Eva Pope has rarely been off our screens. Grafters and Four Fathers are just a couple of her high-profile dramas, and now shes back on ITV1 as a regular in the hit drama Peak Practice. With glowing good looks, Eva, 33, is certain to set pulses racing as the Beeches new nurse, Claire Brightwell. freetime caught up with the glamorous brunette to see how she coped with being away from her graphic designer husband Laurence Lasalle and their daughter Elise, six, during filming in Derbyshire
Tell us about your character
Claire comes in as the new practice nurse eventually. At first shes turned down because the others dont think someone like her would be satisfied in a small practice in the middle of the countryside.
Why what is she like?
Shes very brash, very confident. Shes a very competent nurse and doesnt come across as the type who will fit in. The fact that she gets the job even though they first appoint someone else says even more about her. Youll have to watch to find out how!
How does she get on with all the familiar faces?
Claires a bit of a man-eater and she knows her strengths and the effect that she has on men and women. She gets on well with her old friend Alex (Maggie ONeill) but prefers male company. My storyline draws all the other characters into it. Its incredibly powerful.
What attracted you to the part?
Its a fabulous role. I like the fact that Claires quite masculine and has many layers. Also, this is going to be a completely different series to before. Its going to appeal to a wider audience I know people will love it.
Has it been hard living away from London?
Yes, thats been the hardest part. Its been great fun, but tough being away from my daughter Elise for six months. I go down when Im not working, but thats rare, and sometimes she comes up here. We have been grabbing time but shes had enough now; shes been putting her foot down so its a good job its all finishing.
How does she feel about her mum being a well-known actress?
She hasnt seen me in anything because most of the stuff I do isnt suitable for a child of six. If anything, she probably dislikes the fact that Im an actress because Im away so much. Maybe when shes older shell think its cool.
Would you like more children?
Yes, but not right now. I dont know how Ill fit it all in. Its not something thats going to happen in the next year, although saying that, I didnt know Elise was coming!
Whats your next career move?
Ive got some film coming up and discussions about the next series of Peak Practice. No one knows if it will happen but Id make a bet that it will.
Tell us about your production company
Its called Charismatic and I formed it with a great group of people. Weve been planning it for about a year. Most of us were actors and were very excited because we got a fantastic script film script in the making. Im interested in producing good strong work and making documentaries.
Do you prefer to control over your work?
Thats not the reason for forming my own company. I actually like being told what to do as an actor its the only place where Ill put up with being ordered around.
Interview by Shoba Vazirani, OK! Magazine, Issue 298, January 17th 2002.