With Series 3 of Free Rein set for an upcoming release, Alice Bishop-Skinner has joined the cast of the award-winning Netflix series as new character Carly, having filmed her episodes last year. For Alice’s first screen role, she can be seen playing Nancy in the TV series The Athena, due for release next month, which saw her reunite with the rest of the cast to attend the show’s premiere at BAFTA. Answering our questions, Alice tells us about filming for the upcoming series of Free Rein as Carly, her time as Nancy in The Athena and what it was like attending the BAFTA premiere.

It’s been announced that you will be playing the role of Carly in Series 3 of Free Rein on Netflix, is there anything you can tell us about your character?

I don’t think I can tell you too much but I can say I loved her choice in clothing!

Had you watched the show previously and how long after auditioning did you find out you’d booked the role?

I hadn’t, but as soon as I got the audition I started watching it. It’s great! I booked it about two weeks after, I think. I usually try to forget about my auditions so I don’t get my hopes up, but I was very excited about this one because I loved the part.

What was it like on set of Free Rein and how long were you filming for?

It was amazing, I loved being around the horses, although sometimes they would poo at the wrong moment, which was quite funny! Also, there were quite a few children on set so I made some great friends and the crew and cast were all so lovely. I filmed over six or seven weeks on and off.

What did you enjoy most about filming the series and how did you spend your time in between takes?

I enjoyed everything about filming: the acting, the cast, the crew, the horses and having a laugh with the drivers. I was being tutored in between takes or, if I had free time, I played tag around set with all the other kids – although we had to try and be quiet so we didn’t disturb the filming!

You play Nancy in TV series The Athena, can you tell us about the show and your character?

I loved filming The Athena – everyone was so nice. I like the contrast between this role and my role as Carly. Nancy has more emotional scenes and I really enjoyed acting them.

What was The Athena like to film?

It was so much fun, I’d never done it before and I loved every minute!

How did you find the experience attending the recent premiere and what was it like seeing the completed project for the first time?

It was so amazing! I loved seeing the cast again after not having seen them for a few months and three years back I couldn’t have imagined myself going to a BAFTA premiere. The finished production was brilliant and it was really interesting to see the transformation from the set to the screen. I loved how it was funny and sad and had a bit of everything in it. I would watch it even if I wasn’t in it!

What do you remember from your first ever acting role and was there anything that encouraged you to get into acting?

In primary school I got the part of Boudicca in an assembly about the Vikings and was so pleased that I learnt all my lines in one night. I remember really enjoying the part and started to love acting from that moment.

How do you typically prepare for a role?

I try to put myself in the character’s shoes and not just act as them but become them. I take time to think about how I would feel in their situation and try and bring those feelings to my acting.

What do you enjoy doing away from acting?

I like playing basketball and looking after friends’ dogs because I’m not allowed my own! I quite like eating chocolate too!

What are some of your favourite TV and theatre shows to watch?

I love TV! I really like The Good Place and A Series of Unfortunate Events. I love theatre shows but I don’t see them very much as they are quite expensive so it’s a treat when I get to go. The most recent one I watched was Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, I absolutely loved it and it’s one of my favourites. I highly recommend it.

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

I don’t have any jobs lined up but I have had a few auditions and I enjoy those as I get tips from the casting directors and I learn new things.