Earlier this year, Fleur Tashjian made her lead regular character debut on screen playing Iris in the BBC/HBO Max series Rain Dogs. Fleur worked alongside a cast including Daisy May Cooper as her on-screen mother Costello and Jack Farthing as Selby, with the series following a single mother and her daughter, and the show premiered on HBO Max on 6th March, with all episodes currently available on BBC iPlayer. Answering our questions, we found out from Fleur about being cast in the BBC/HBO Max series Rain Dogs, playing Iris for her first lead regular character on screen and working with the cast including Daisy May Cooper as her on-screen mother Costello.

In the BBC/HBO Max series Rain Dogs, you play the co-lead role of Iris, can you tell us about the show and your character?

Of course!! Rain Dogs is about a single mother called Costello, who struggles in the world but tries her hardest all for the sake of her daughter, Iris. In the show you meet Gloria and Selby (Costello’s best friends) who care for Iris as if she is their own. Throughout the show you see how Gloria, Selby and Costello have cracks between their friendships but they always find their way back together because despite not always being friends, they will always be family. Iris is one of a kind! She loves her family and despite noticing and knowing the struggles her mum goes through, she simply tries to crack on and be the best she can for her mum. She loves music and fashion! She is very mature for her age and is admired by her peers.

How did you feel finding out you’d booked the role and how is it having Iris as your first lead regular character on screen?

When I found out about the Rain Dogs booking, I was sooooo excited! At the time I wasn’t very happy in my school environment, so when I got Rain Dogs, it couldn’t have been timed more perfectly.

How was it reading the scripts for the first time and how did you prepare for filming?

Reading the scripts for the first time was actually pretty scary but after a while I got really excited. Nothing was stopping me from playing Iris. I prepared by just reading the script and watching YouTube of other actors talking about their experiences on set and lots of Behind The Scenes videos.

What is Iris like to play and was there anything that drew you to the role?

Iris was a joy to play and I will forever have a special place in my heart for Iris and the whole Rain Dogs experience. Her humour and characteristics definitely drew me towards her!

How was it filming alongside a cast including Daisy May Cooper and Jack Farthing and how did you find the experience on set?

Filming was just mine and Daisy’s energies bouncing off each other so much to the point we would get told off by everyone on set!! My experience on set was incredible and I will always love my connection with Jack and Daisy.

What do you feel you’ve learnt from your time filming the series and working on a BBC/HBO Max project?

I think I’ve learnt so many things! Like anything can happen; every day is different and, most importantly, the best things happen when you least expect it!

Who do you think will enjoy watching the series and how has it been seeing the viewers’ response so far?

I imagine anybody who likes a bit of drama, a bit of violence, people who like to laugh and people who aren’t afraid of something different!

Did you have a favourite scene to film and what are some of your favourite memories from playing Iris in Rain Dogs?

Filming the Halloween scene with Darcey Porter-Cassidy in the bedroom has to be my favourite scene that I filmed! The whole day was full of jokes and I made a lifelong friend that day. Some of my favourite memories of playing Iris is meeting my double Marni who I talk to very regularly and meeting Archie (McCormick), who played Tennessee, who I talk to daily.

Where does your love of acting come from and how did you get into it?

The reason I fell in love with acting is mainly because of my mum. My mum is an agent, so I was always going to theatres and watching plays with her clients in them! So watching and admiring the actors sing, dance and act just had me thinking about the future already.

Have you been given any advice over your acting career so far that has stuck with you?

Not really to be fair! I’ve never been given advice that has really stuck with me other than to be myself and stay natural.

What do you enjoy most about working as an actor?

Being in the environment of being around set, making friendships with the other actors and workers, and seeing new locations I truly enjoy most.

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

That is honestly such a hard question! I love my Netflix shows like Outer Banks and Never Have I Ever, but then I love shows I can watch on the sofa after a long day like Gogglebox and NCIS.

How do you like to spend your time away from acting?

One of my favourite things I love to pursue other than acting is dancing. If I’m not acting, I’m probably at dance or dancing! I dance advanced commercial but then if I’m not dancing, I’m probably out with friends!

Do you have any upcoming plans that you can tell us about and what are you hoping 2023 brings for your career?

Currently I don’t have anything I can tell you which is upcoming but I do hope 2023 brings along another lovely job that everybody enjoys!