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Tell us what happened to Steph at the end of the last series

Steph was given the job of fundraising for the school but, as usual, she managed to mess this up by being over the top. Steph has to learn that flirting isn't a substitute for a professional approach.

Do you think Steph has changed at all this series?

Not at first, still the same old Steph, but she has a terrible experience that must have an affect on her.

Will Steph ever find true love?

I hope Steph does, and there's a new character who fancies her, but she doesn't think he's her type!

What is your favourite storyline this series?

Steph experiences a heart-rending tragedy this series, it was very challenging to film, but it allows Steph to be seen as the vulnerable, caring person she really is.

What are Steph's best qualitites?

Steph's best qualities are that she's kind and although she's a gossip I think she does genuinely stand by those she likes and respects. I love her sense of humour and the fact she keeps trying even if the situation is completely hopeless.

And worst?

The worst thing about Steph is she's a hopeless French teacher. She drinks too much and she is a gossip. All fun to play though.

Steph seems desperate for people to like her – why?

Steph Haydock is desperately lonely. The staff room gossip is the highlight of her day.

Did you have a best friend at school and do you still keep in touch?

My best friend at school was Jill Hewitson. We were really close throughout school and when we left, unfortunately, we lost touch for a period, but we are now back in touch which is great. In fact she went to my parents' 70th birthday party but I didn't really get to talk to her. But Jill and I were great mates at school, at one point whilst we were at school together, Jill fancied a chap called Stott, so my life was put on hold whilst all our time was spent following him around Consett Park whilst drinking barley wine. After our O levels Jill and I both worked at Pontins together as waitresses. My mum got so depressed when she came and saw where we were working. Anyway, Jill and I decided we didn't want to work their anymore so to escape the job we hid under a tartan rug in the back of a taxi as it drove us out of the gates!

What goes through your mind when you think of school?

I really enjoyed school even though I didn't work hard whilst I was there. In fact when I look back at my school days I wish I had worked a bit harder. But school for me meant being with my mates standing on the radiators watching the boys go by. But it still irks me that I was never made a prefect. And I still get sweaty palms at the thought of double maths!

What was the name of your school?

I went to Consett Grammar School.

Did you have to wear a uniform?

Yes I had to wear a uniform. I attended a convent school for a few years and the uniform was so strict and of course I always got it wrong. They used to put me in detention regularly for not wearing the hat. We had these straw boaters to wear and of course my school skirt was far to short for the nuns liking.

What were your school reports like?

Well I was quite naughty, and chatty, I suppose nothing changes. So, no surprise when they read "Denise talks too much, she must stop playing the class clown and if she put her mind to it she could do much better".

Were you naughty at school?

I was quite naughty at school but I think it was because I was very easily led. I played hooky one lunch time and I got caught by Sister Helen Marie crawling up a hill.

Have you ever had the opportunity to teach?

I have taught movement and drama to young kids at Watford Palace Theatre.

Do you think you could teach?

I couldn't teach long term.

What sort of student were you?

As a student I was academically lazy but funnily enough the minute I got to drama school that all changed and I was really committed.

Any siblings and if so did you go to the same school?

I have one sister, Debbie. We were at primary school together but not secondary. She's three years younger and bossy!

Did you have an inspiring teacher at school?

I had a really inspiring teacher at school, Terry Cudden. He was my drama teacher and he was brilliant. He really did give me the belief I could do something. He was an inspiration. If he hadn't encouraged me to go to drama school I don't think I'd have tried. I was going to teacher training college – so I do have a great deal to thank him for. If it hadn't have been for Terry I could have been Steph for real! But I don't think I could have ever taught French though.

Have you met up with a teacher since leaving school?

I have met up with my teacher Terry since leaving school but it wasn't something I set up myself. Basically my acting career was something that sparked my dad's interest in amateur dramatics, he has now got his Equity card! But Terry used to direct my dad in things so I used to see him then.

Have you ever been back to visit your school?

I don't think I have ever been back to visit my old school. Mind you I do spend every day taking Louis to his primary school and I still can't believe they really make everything so small. It never seemed that small when I was at school!

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

To be honest I don't get a lot of spare time but I have a horse called Lady so I ride her.

How do you stay in shape?

I ride my horse when I can which is good exercise. But I suppose I also keep in shape by being a busy working mum.

Do you have any long term goals for Steph?

I enjoy the fact Steph is jokey and light hearted so I would always wants Steph to keep that side to her character. She gets some great dialogue and it would be a shame if she got too serious.