Ashley Rice Interview

Hi Ashley. How does it feel joining the cast as the newest doctor on the block?

It was, of course, very exciting but also a bit terrifying too. To come into a show of such a talented cast and well established characters, I think a little trepidation is natural. But, on the whole, I just feel a spoiled that I get to work/play with them every day.

Tell us a bit about yourself, please.

I'm a local boy originally. I grew up in Brum, but as with most performers I've had to move around in the pursuit of work. I hadn't lived in Brum for nearly five years, I think. So coming to work on Doctors has almost been like a home coming.

I hear you’d almost given up on acting before landing the role of Sid – what drew you back in?

"Just when I thought I was out..." ;-) I have the best and most supportive agent there is. He rang me out the blue just to catch up and my girlfriend at the time wanted to move to London to start her Master’s degree, so it just seemed logical. We were heading south; my agent was still willing to send me to auditions. As it happens, the relationship broke down and the first audition, I got brought me back to Brum.

What do you make of Sid? How did you find getting a grip on the character?

Oh, he's so annoying, isn't he? I annoy myself playing him sometimes. And despite being quite bright he can completely miss the point sometimes. But he does have a good heart and only wants to do his best. I had a help from the directors in finding and using Sid's nervous energy, one in particular springs to mind. But the hardest part is thinking and speaking as quickly as he does, he doesn't pause for breath. So, if I stutter, pause or drop the ball when I shouldn't, it's back to the top.

What was your first day on set like?

Seems so long ago now, so much happens in the world of Doctors. My first scene was with Jan Pearson (Karen) and with Gary Williams directing, so I was in safe hands. And the great Ian Kelsey went out of his way to make sure I was included very early on. When Kels' starts ripping on you, you're in. But everyone at Doctors, the cast, crew, and production are all so lovely, welcoming and supportive that I felt very taken in. So yeah, on day one, I knew this was a good place to be.

You’ve got some great storylines coming up with both Zara and Ayesha – how’ve you found working with the two scariest characters on the show, and are the actors who play them anything like their Letherbridge counterparts?

I was lucky enough to get some juicy scenes with the pair of them. Again, I was spoiled, so thank you Doctors. I love working with them both.

And they are so far removed from their characters. Elizabeth is so lovely and such a talented professional. Laura is so much more thoughtful and considerate than Ayesha, which isn’t hard really. Laura always makes a potentially awkward scene easier. She can put me at ease, I spend more time talking and chilling with Laura than any other cast member. But genuinely, I love both these women. Spoiled rotten.

How did you find working on the show – it’s notoriously fast paced when filming?

I had guested on the show previously but it's not the same. I don’t think anything can prepare you for Doctors pace. The number of scenes we shoot in a day! So much happens so quick in the world of Doctors. It's good, because you learn to work quickly. But I think every department would love 'another go' sometimes.

What can you tell us about Sid’s character? How similar to you is he in real life? What was the most challenging aspect of bringing him to life?

Both of us will talk to anyone, and more often than not for a little too long.

But I think we do it for different reasons. He just has to fill the silence. He is smarter than me, and that's always difficult, playing someone more intellectual than you, but he sometimes really struggles to read people so I have to be oblivious to certain things. Most challenging aspect would be his energy. I'm laid back and he's not. Finding it and using that energy well is sometimes tricky, and now having watched some scenes back, I still think it needs more. But we'll get there eventually. I hope.

Ashley Rice, thank you.