For her first recurring role on screen, Miley Locke plays Sara Alice across numerous episodes of E!‘s The Royals, having joined the cast in 2016 for Series 3. Miley started her career as a model before signing to an acting agency, and her further credits have included the 2016 Christmas Special of Grantchester, which saw her work alongside a cast including James Norton, who stars as Sidney Chambers. Next month, Miley will be starting work on her next filming project, and she currently trains at the Pauline Quirke Academy. Chatting to Miley, we found out about her time on set of The Royals, booking the role of Sara Alice, and working on the Grantchester Christmas Special.

You joined the cast of E! TV series The Royals in Series 3, how did you find out you’d booked the role?

My mum actually got the call from my agent to say I had got the role when I was at school. I remember it so clearly, when I came out of school that day she was waiting for me in the school playground like she does every day. She had the biggest smile I’ve ever seen on her face and the first thing she said to me was, “I’m going to have to start calling you Sara Alice from now on,” I knew then I had got the job, she picked me up and spun me round and round, I couldn’t stop screaming. We celebrated by going for a smoothie.

How would you describe your character Sara Alice?

Sara Alice is very chatty and cheeky, just like me! She’s very outspoken and loves to ask lots of questions and be nosy. She also has a really kind side to her character, she wants to make everyone around her happy. She’s very grown-up for her age like I am and understands how to deal with situations really well. I think she’s awesome.

What do you get up to when you’re on a break on set?

Breaks are really fun on the set of The Royals, my favourite thing to do is to eat lots of yummy food from craft. Playing frisbee with some of the cast and crew is really cool. I like to go back to my dressing room and draw pictures for everyone and post them through their dressing room doors. Also, my mum always packs lots of board games for us to play.

Are you able to tell us where the show is filmed?

The Royals is filmed in London and Blenheim Palace, and sometimes on different locations.

Do you have to spend time away from home while filming The Royals?

No, luckily I live so close to London where so much filming takes place, but sometimes I’ve had to stay away which is really fun just me and my mum.

What was it like on set of your episode of Grantchester?

It was so much fun, I made some great friends. Grantchester is actually a real town and they film the series there, it’s so beautiful. We filmed a Christmas episode and they had snow machines cover the houses in snow, that was fun to watch.

Did you get chance to meet the main cast members?

Yes, I met them all. They were really nice, especially James Norton, we had a really funny scene with him and he would make us laugh during takes.

What would you say has been the best place you’ve visited in your acting career so far?

The Royals film set is the best place I’ve visited. The rooms in the studio are incredible, it’s exactly like a real palace.

When did you get into acting and is it something you always wanted to do?

I was four years old when I first got into acting. My mum will always say she knew from the moment I could walk I would grow up and entertain people. I have always loved to put on shows for the family, my favourite being Annie and I would play every character. I did modelling when I was younger which led to a commercial, the director told my mum I should get an acting agent and it all went from there.

Do you come from an acting background?

No one in my family acts. They didn’t know anything about the industry. My family often say they wonder where I get it from.

Can you tell us about attending drama classes?

Yes, I attend a performing arts class called Pauline Quirke Academy, it’s really fun, I’ve made some lovely friends there and it’s great to hang out with kids that enjoy the same things as me, we’re all a bit crazy.

What do your friends think about you being on TV?

I don’t really talk about it that much at school, but my friends do think it’s really cool that I’m on TV.

We understand you enjoy theatre, do you remember the first show you went to see?

My first theatre experience was Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, London. I couldn’t take my eyes off the stage, the children were so amazing. I’ve seen the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Matilda The Musical and School of Rock recently which were also great. I really enjoy the theatre especially when there are children performing.

Do you have any acting roles coming up that you can tell us about?

Yes, I’m filming in a couple of weeks’ time. I can’t really say anything about it at the moment but I’m really excited.

What are your plans for the rest of the year?

Hopefully lots more filming, visit America, I really want to see the Hollywood sign.

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