Star of Brief Encounters Sharon Rooney has revealed how Downton Abbey favourite Penelope Wilton helped her acting — and enjoyed a singsong.
The Monday-night ITV drama features established stars Sophie Rundle and Angela Griffin as well as Downton Abbey favourite Penelope.
And Sharon, who made her breakthrough in E4’s hit My Mad Fat Diary says Penelope, who played Mrs Crawley in the worldwide smash, was an especial inspiration.
“I couldn’t believe I was getting the chance to work with Sophie, Angela and Penelope,” Sharon, 27, told The Weekly News.
“I was nervous at first because of what they’ve done and to be one of the four leads in this was a big deal and really exciting.
“I was really chuffed and it definitely made me try to up my game.
“Penelope’s outstanding and I felt really privileged because she took me under her wing a bit.
“She was so kind and generous, I felt like it made me a better actress.
“I was learning all the time and every day was a bit of a masterclass. Seeing how she did things made me want to improve.”
And Sharon, who plays hairdresser Dawn in the 1980s drama set against the backdrop of the Ann Summers parties that were all the rage at the time, says there was plenty of time for laughs as well as lessons.
“We had so much fun,” adds Sharon.
“We were always laughing and singing songs. Penelope took the same kind of role as she did in Dawn’s life and became my little piece of home.
“She was my person to go to and she really made the job.”
Glasgow girl Sharon has packed in plenty projects so far in her young career, including a part in massive hit Sherlock.
But she admits that the exposure of a big part in a peak-time ITV series could be a game changer.
“This is definitely the biggest thing I’ve done because of the channel and when it’s going out,” she confides.
“It’s a big jump for me and that’s both nerve-wracking and exciting. I’m just thrilled to be a part of it.
“Who knows what will happen now.”
Sharon giggles at the suggestion that she’s making it all look easy with job after job coming in, insisting she definitely has to put the work in.
“I have to audition and try really hard to get on,” she says.
“It’s really not easy, but any career is hard and as long as you’re prepared to work hard and keep your eyes open, I hope you’ll be fine.
“The only plan B I’ve ever had apart from acting would be to go into nursing and I probably would still consider that.”
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