Charlotte Spencer plays Ellie Murston

Charlotte Spencer plays Ellie Murston

How does Ellie feel about her ex, Stewart, returning to Stonemouth?

I think she’s in two minds about it to be honest. With her brother’s death she’s got the view that she should let bygones be bygones and forgive Stewart but she’s hurting. Even though she still loves Stewart, at the end of the day he broke her heart.

She’s a clever girl and knows it’ll take time but in her heart she’s willing to forgive Stewart.

Ellie’s part of the formidable Murston clan, how does she manage to rise above the criminality which surrounds her?

Ellie gets her strength from her dad, Don, but while a lot of the family work for him, she has no interest in being part of this criminal world. And if Ellie doesn’t want to do something, she won’t do it. In that way she’s a lot stronger than her brothers and sister. In fact, I’d say, Ellie’s stronger than any of the family think she is.

Although the Murston’s look like they have it all (wealth, power, social standing) is it fair to say they’re a dysfunctional family?

Definitely and Ellie knows that. A lot of families have their problems but the Murstons’ are pretty messed up. Ellie’s completely against what her dad does for a living and what his business stands for.

Ellie loves her family but tries to keep herself removed from all their drama.

What is it about Stewart that Ellie loves?

I think she knows that, deep down inside, Stewart is a good person and nothing like her family. She needs someone like that in her life. She’s drawn to him because he’s nothing like her dad or the other men in her life.

Do you think Stewart and Ellie’s love is eternal?

As much as it’s hard, Ellie doesn’t believe in giving up on her relationship with Stewart. For Ellie, it’s all about trying to have a relationship with Stewart even after all he’s done.

Stewart’s sorry for what he did and Ellie’s in two minds about it. She doesn’t want to get hurt again and his return means she needs to consider whether she could ever trust Stewart again or not.

Don Murston doesn’t suffer fools gladly but do you think Ellie controls her father more than he’d like to admit?

Yes! There’s an odd sort of respect for one another. Neither of them understands each other’s lives but that’s they’re more like each other than the rest of the family which is what keep them together.

Your on-screen dad Don is played by Peter Mullan – what was it like working with him?

It was just incredible. To work with Peter and Gary [Lewis] was amazing. I could sit for hours listening to them talking and giving their advice. The whole cast were lovely. We got on like a house on fire which always helps.

Led by you and Christian, Stonemouth has a core young cast at its heart – what do you think this offers the tale?

Stonemouth has two very different age groups featured and, to me, it feels as though the kids are clearing up the mess made by the previous generation. It seems to be the younger ones are trying to sort things out.

How did you find mastering Ellie’s Scottish accent?

I just kept on listening to everyone around about me which really helped. But once you get the hang of it it’s not too hard. Ellie has a softer Scottish accent because she’s been to private school. It was great living in Glasgow during the shoot because it meant I was surrounded by Scottish accents for inspiration.

What was it like filming in Scotland?

I really liked it. I loved Glasgow. The music scene is incredible up there. My parents came up to visit and they also didn’t want to leave! I really enjoyed it.

Aside from Stonemouth, what other projects have you got coming up in 2015?

I've just finished filming a short film for the BFI which was great so looking forward to seeing the finished product. And just auditioning, we'll see what's next.