After appearing in 2017’s The Halcyon on ITV, Bella Padden will once again be on our screens in the 2018 BBC drama series Bodyguard as Ella Budd alongside Richard Madden and Keeley Hawes. Bella had the opportunity to give dating advice to Idris Elba for Valentine’s Day last year and has also starred as the main role in US short release Space Girls. Answering our questions recently, Bella tells us about her two new productions, filming for The Halcyon and her summer plans.

Are you able to tell us anything about your character Ella Budd in the upcoming TV series Bodyguard?

My dad in it is a policeman played by Richard Madden – there’s lots of action related to terrorists and it’s very exciting!

What was it like acting alongside the rest of the cast?

We got on really well! We chilled out a lot and it was so cool working with them. My mum and agent loved the fact I got to work with Richard!

Where did you film your role?

London and Norfolk.

How did you find the experience filming as Young Talon in The Outpost?

It’s my favourite thing I’ve ever done, I got to cry a lot which I LOVE to do on screen. We were outside a lot and it was so cold!

Is there anything you can tell us about the production?

Everyone on set was American, and I think it’s going to be really cool! Quite scary!

Can you say about the award-nominated short film Space Girls, in which you play Charlotte?

Four best friends who are just CRAZY about space and space missions. Then my little brother gets involved too, even though I don’t want him to get involved.

You played Dora in The Halcyon, can you tell us about your character?

So, my dad was away fighting so it was just me, Mum and brother Billy, who I was really close to. Dora was really cheeky and fun – I loved playing her.

Who did you spend the most time with on set?

My brother Billy, who was played by Ewan Mitchell.

How long were you filming for?

Seven days spread over a while… I think!

Did you watch it when it was shown on TV?

Yes, I did – I loved all the bombs! It wasn’t as weird as I thought it would be when I saw myself on screen either, which I thought was kind of cool too.

How was the experience filming a cinematic VR short film (Kinch & the Double World)?

There were some really unusual cameras, that could capture lots of different angles. We had to do lots of different takes of the same scene and even run in slow motion!

What was it like giving dating advice to Idris Elba when you were part of Idris Elba Gets Dating Advice from Kids?

It was kind of awkward at first, but then I got used to it. Turned out to be a really fun day and there were lots of us there.

Have you attended any film festivals?

No, but hopefully soon!

How did you get into acting and do you come from an entertainment background?

I’m not from an entertainment background but I got into acting through my dance teacher, Keeley. She told me I should apply to the agency I am with.

What are your plans for summer?

I am on holiday for three weeks and going to Spain and France. Hopefully also filming some more projects!

Do you have any roles you’re filming soon?

Hopefully!