Summer Violet Bird booked her first TV character as Tonya Walters in the return of Waterloo Road last year for Series 11, working closely with her on-screen mother Nicky, played by Kym Marsh, and brother Preston, played by Noah Valentine. Series 14 of Waterloo Road is currently releasing weekly on BBC One and all episodes are now streaming on BBC iPlayer, with Summer reprising her regular role of Tonya, and last year, she was a guest on CBBC’s Saturday Mash-Up. We recently chatted to Summer about booking her first TV character of Tonya Walters in Waterloo Road, what the series is like to be part of and being a guest on Saturday Mash-Up last year.

How does it feel being part of Waterloo Road and seeing the continued success to the series?

I feel really honoured and blessed to be a part of something that has been a part of people’s lives since the early 2000s. We are talking back to the millennials, who are now in their late 30s, who were once a teenager like me when it was first born here in Manchester, the city of raw talent, the city that created such a fantastic TV drama centred around modern day school life. I think it was also a huge hit back then because us northerners are very much territorial, it’s such a good city to live in for that community and that spirit that is missing. To be a part of such a great piece of history like Waterloo Road feels epic.

You’ve played the regular role of Tonya Walters since the show returned last year for Series 11, can you tell us about the character?

Tonya is a typical Mancunian kid with lots of gumption and fire in her belly. She is also sensitive at times and has that vulnerability. She is loyal to her family and holds them family values down like no one else. If there is an injustice to be had, Tonya will speak loud and clear and make her voice heard. She struggles at times battling with her emotions. She has had to grow up, I feel, quite quickly and her mother has taught her to be strong and survive because her mum has had no choice as a single parent to raise two kids on her own while holding down a job and trying to keep her head above water, and there are times where Tonya has had to hold her mum when times have been tough. She is a loveable character growing into her own with a big heart and big gob. What’s most interesting about her is you see her highs and lows represented in such detail and hard times that you can’t help but recognise that in real life and that’s just what she is. True to herself. 😃

What is Tonya like to play and how has it been developing the character across the four series so far?

Playing Tonya has been hilarious, fun, naughty, sad and, most of all, honourable. I have been so blessed in so many ways with some great storylines so far and character pairings. I thank the writers very much for giving me a chance to push myself to places I never thought as an actress I could go and I will continue to give it 110%.

How is it working alongside the rest of the cast, which includes Kym Marsh and Noah Valentine as your on-screen mother and brother Nicky and Preston?

Working with all the cast is a pleasure. Kym is just something else. Her talents are endless and she has taught me so much and taken me under her wing and I enjoy learning from one of the greatest northerners in showbiz. The boys are just brilliant. Like big brothers always protecting me and looking out for me. They think nothing about ruffling your hair in a headlock as a sign of affection when you spent all morning doing it. They are absolutely top lads. From the directors, producers, casting directors, and the rest of the cast who I have the pleasure of working with every day, to the catering to our chaperones and everyone that is a part of Waterloo Road, it’s just one big family for me.

What is it like on set of Waterloo Road and how is it reading the scripts for the first time?

Looking at the scripts for the first time sometimes I have had my jaw on the floor. They are exciting, nerve-racking at times and I love receiving them to see what’s doing down. Bit like a magazine, you want to know the gossip. Being on set, it’s hard graft not just for me but for everyone. It’s not a walk in the park when you’re doing a scene outside and it’s minus 50 or chucking it down but we battle through because us Waterloo Road lot are made of strong stuff. We have a good laugh and we have had tears and, most importantly, long-lasting memories and experiences that I feel so privileged to have. I mean, me really on a TV drama, one of the greatest shows on television… Summer Bird from little Hulton. I still think I am daydreaming.

Do you remember how you felt finding out you’d booked the role of Tonya for your first character on TV?

My agent Lauren Warwick from Warwick Management called me. I had several recalls at this point and my advert for the Morrisons Christmas commercial had not long been out. We worked endlessly together on the scripts and building the character and I honestly gave it my all but I knew I was up against some really tough talent in the industry and I was fairly new to the game. Lauren called me and said I have heard from Waterloo Road. Her voice sounded very serious and my stomach did a flip and then she broke the news that I had landed the role and I just couldn’t believe it. Honestly, I cried when she told me because I felt like all my hard work had finally paid off but also because I truly didn’t think Summer Violet Bird from little Hulton would be in such an iconic and incredible TV drama that my mum watched when she was a kid. Getting Waterloo Road hit differently because it was my first ever big role in television and for the first time in my life I felt a sense of accomplishment.

What are some of your favourite highlights from working on Waterloo Road over the past few years?

When me and Scarlett Thomas released the mice at the very start of the new series we had such a laugh together and we really bonded that day, and I was so excited as I love animals and one of the mice pooed on my hand and we still to this day laugh about it.

Why would you recommend watching Series 14 of Waterloo Road, which is currently airing weekly on BBC One and streaming now on BBC iPlayer?

I feel Waterloo Road is just such an easy watch and I love how the writers help introduce new and upcoming problems in society and I feel, even though it highlights some negative problems, there is always a positive message behind all the storylines and I also recommend it because of how they adapt the storylines to all ages.

How did you find the experience being a guest on Saturday Mash-Up last year?

I absolutely LOVED working with the Saturday Mash-Up team as it was such a different but enjoyable experience and I loved working with the younger kids as they were just as giddy as I was.

Have you been given any advice over your time as an actor so far that has stuck with you?

I remember when I first started Waterloo Road I was worried about my appearance on screen, and on the second week of filming I was sat in the makeup chair and one of the makeup girls showed me a video she made for me talking about how unique everyone is and how everyone’s differences are their own superpowers and it really stuck with me because it helped me separate myself from my character and made me love my character and embrace my differences which I think helped grow my confidence in myself and also playing the role of Tonya.

Do you have any favourite TV shows and films to watch?

I enjoy getting in bed, putting Netflix on and watching my comfort show Brooklyn Nine-Nine as I never get bored of it and it makes me laugh even when I’m in a bad mood. I also love Disney films too because if I’m going to be honest, I love a soppy, happy ending of a film.

How do you like to spend your free time?

I am really chilled and happy being with family and close friends, sitting watching films and stuff with a Chinese and a nice fresh pair of pjs. Don’t get me wrong, it’s always nice to dress up for a party but I am a home bird. I love a bath, a hot water bottle and snacks on the sofa with the people I love and care for the most.

What are you hoping the next year brings for you?

I am hoping that I get to continue to be blessed with a career in acting and I hope that I am happy mentally and my loved ones are well and that life keeps on throwing some great challenges my way. My love for dancing, acting and singing is immense, the passion inside my belly you can hear it. One day I hope to feature in a really gritty TV drama or feature film. Wouldn’t that be absolutely amazing? A dream is a wish your heart makes and my heart and soul is the acting and entertainment industry. I don’t want fame or fortune, I just want to do what I absolutely love, remain humble and grounded and remember my roots.

Follow Summer on:

Instagram