Yasmin Steadman played Becky – the behaviour mentor – in the BBC school drama Phoenix Rise across all four series, which marked her first regular screen character, with Series 4 airing at the end of last year, and all episodes are available to stream on BBC iPlayer. Further TV roles for Yasmin have included a guest role in Casualty in 2024 as Alice McDonald, and numerous episodes of Coronation Street as PC Edmondson. As a stage actor, Yasmin has performed in a number of productions at Derby Theatre and toured Italy in The Life of Nelson Mandela, and away from her acting career, she is a drama teacher and will soon be directing Shrek the Musical. Speaking to Yasmin, she talked to us about her time as Becky in Phoenix Rise, guest-starring as Alice McDonald in Casualty last year and filming as PC Edmondson for numerous episodes of Coronation Street.
Most recently on screen, you’ve been seen playing Becky in the BBC series Phoenix Rise; how was it working on the show across all four series?
Working on the show was so much fun. Being there from the first season to the fourth was very special. It allowed me to watch the story and the characters develop and grow in real time. It was incredibly educational for me to learn how a series is created from the inside out.
Can you tell us about your character and what she was like to play?
Becky is the behaviour mentor at Phoenix Rise. She also acts as a counsellor, mother figure, and friend to the students. She’s a warm and loving character, and I like to describe her as the “cool teacher” everyone had in school – the one who listens, understands, and isn’t afraid to tell you how it is. She’s highly respected at the school and acts as a voice for the pupils, even though she actively encourages them to find their own voice. She often bridges the gap between students and teachers with her knowledge, guidance, and funky fashion sense.
Playing Becky was an incredible experience. I got to do a lot of one-on-one scenes with the other actors during her mentoring sessions. I learned so much from these interactions as an actor. It also meant she was involved in a lot of the drama and had the “inside scoop” on everything happening at the school.
Do you remember how you felt finding out you’d booked the role for your first regular character and was there anything that drew you to the series?
I was over the moon! It was definitely one of the highlights of my career so far. It was especially special because I felt so connected to the character. At the time, I was working in a pupil referral unit, unintentionally playing the role of Becky, so when the audition came around, I just knew it was meant for me. In the character breakdown, it said Becky had worked in a PRU, and to my astonishment, I had unknowingly been doing research for the role every day, doing that exact job. Even so, I still had to work hard, study the script, and prove that this character was right for me. And lo and behold, it was! I’m still overwhelmed with gratitude.
What was it like on set of Phoenix Rise and working alongside the rest of the cast?
I felt so comfortable on set, and there was such a friendly atmosphere. Everyone got along so well, and it genuinely felt like one big family. It was lovely to watch all the actors grow and learn throughout the series. There was a mix of relatively new actors and some seasoned veterans, and they were equally inspiring to work with. I’m so excited to see where everyone’s careers go next because the potential is astronomical!
How was it seeing the fan response to the series, and what do you feel you’ve learned from playing Becky over the years?
The fan response was amazing. I’ve heard so many heartwarming stories. A lot of fans really resonated with the storylines, and it was great knowing they felt seen and represented. I’ve learned so much from playing Becky over the years, both as an actor and personally. She taught me the importance of authenticity and showed me the power of kindness in everything I do.
In 2024, you guest-starred in Casualty as Alice McDonald; how would you describe the character, and can you tell us about your episode?
Alice McDonald was a very complex character with a severe drug addiction. She burns herself while under the influence and gets taken to the hospital. She’s highly distressed throughout the episode and desperately wants to go home. She discharges herself from the hospital against the doctors’ advice and further injures herself in the process. She’s seen as a problematic patient by the paramedics, but they later discover the reason she wanted to go back home was because of her young child.
What did you enjoy most about filming a guest role in a hugely popular, long-running drama series, and how did you feel watching the episode when it aired on BBC?
It was an honour to be a guest role in such an iconic series. Being trusted to play a character so different from those I’ve played before was such a joy. I loved the challenge and complexity of the role. Watching it back was a bit scary because it all looked so real. The blood, the gore, and the drama really pulled me in, even though I knew what was going to happen!
How did you find the experience of working on numerous episodes of Coronation Street as PC Edmondson, and how was it being part of the storylines?
Coronation Street was my very first acting gig, so it will always hold a special place in my heart. The cast was incredibly welcoming and made me feel at ease. Stepping onto the set for the first time was surreal – it felt like stepping into the TV screen. Playing PC Edmondson was great because she was so stern and took her job very seriously. It was a bit strange for me to play such a strong authority figure in Coronation Street, telling off some of those household names, when I was just starting out! But I threw myself into it, got invited back for more episodes, and had a wonderful time.
We understand you’ve also worked on stage, can you tell us about some of the shows you’ve performed in?
I’ve worked in a variety of stage productions. I did a theatre tour in Italy, which was amazing. The play was called The Life of Nelson Mandela, and it explored many culturally educational themes. It was also a great experience to see the sights of Italy in all its wintry wonder. I’ve also worked with Derby Theatre on various projects (on home turf), and I’ve performed in lots of plays during drama school, including Shakespeare, of course!
Where does your love of acting come from, and how did you get into it?
My love for acting started with watching EastEnders as a kid. My mum watched it religiously, and I was completely obsessed. I even wrote to my favourite cast members and got a lot of autographs. I also wrote to the BBC when I was younger, explaining that acting was my dream, and they gave me some great advice on how to pursue it. I still have those letters in a memory box – it’s so sweet, and I hope I’ve made my younger self proud.
I’ve always been fascinated by the craft and the concept of make-believe. I begged my mum to send me to a local drama class. No one in my family had done that before since they were all very sporty. She sent me to the class, and I just fell in love with it!
I went to The Television Workshop in Nottingham as a teenager. These workshops focused mainly on improvisation, which helped me build confidence. After that, I trained at drama school at The Academy of Live & Recorded Arts and completed an Acting degree.
Do you have any favourite films or TV shows to watch?
I love musicals, so at the moment, I’m obsessed with Wicked! I’m in awe of the cast and their vocals – I’m always singing the songs around the house! I’m still a die-hard EastEnders fan too. I recently watched the first season of High Potential on Disney+, which is a crime drama about a single mum who works as a cleaner at a police station. She’s highly intelligent and eventually becomes a detective. I really liked the concept and the fresh perspective of the genre. Prison Break is an oldie but goldie – I’ve watched that series so many times! I’m also a sucker for a reality competition, especially The Traitors and RuPaul’s Drag Race.
How do you like to spend your time away from acting?
I’ve recently really gotten into mindfulness. I do a lot of journaling in all its forms: scripting, morning pages, manifesting, and endless to-do lists. I’m always writing things down – it helps me relax and get out of my head. This year, I’m focusing on self-development, so I’m always finding new self-help books and classes to attend. I just want to be more zen and prioritise being kind to myself.
Have you been given any advice over your career so far that has stuck with you?
Lots! First and foremost, “It’s a marathon, not a sprint”. It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing your journey to others, but enjoying the process is what it’s all about. Every actor is unique and has something valuable to offer.
Celebrate every win. Every job is an audition for the next one. Be proactive. Be kind. First impressions matter. Make your own work. Support others. Never stop learning, and most importantly – enjoy it!
What are you hoping 2025 brings for you, and do you have any upcoming projects you can talk about?
I’m hoping to continue exploring new, complex characters that push me out of my comfort zone. I also teach drama, so I’m excited to direct Shrek the Musical this term and expand in that area. I’m looking forward to networking, meeting new people, learning from others in the industry, and continuing to do what I love on set!
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