For Rochelle Harrington’s first acting job, she plays Natalie ‘Nat’ Grey in the Netflix series Geek Girl, which is based on the 2013 young adult novel of the same name by Holly Smales. Series 1 of Geek Girl was released in May 2024, and Rochelle worked with a cast including Emily Carey as Harriet Manners, Jemima Rooper as Annabel Manners and Zac Looker as Toby Pilgrim, and she is set to reprise her role of Nat for the recently-announced Series 2. Catching up with Rochelle, she chatted to us about booking her role of Natalie ‘Nat’ Grey in Geek Girl, what it was like filming for the Netflix series for her first acting job and working with the rest of the cast.

How familiar were you with Holly Smales’ novel Geek Girl before auditioning for the role of Natalie ‘Nat’ Grey in the Netflix series Geek Girl and how did you feel finding out you’d booked the project?

I was very familiar with the books before auditioning for the show. They were really big in the UK with girls in school at the time they were first released and every girl in my class used to fight to borrow them from the library. When I booked it, I was in my hometown cafe and I did verbally express my joy with some loud screams. It still doesn’t feel real sometimes.

Can you tell us about the series and how would you describe Nat?

The series follows Harriet, an aspiring model on a journey of finding herself and showing it to the world. It’s full of drama, funny moments and some teen romance, you’re just going to have to watch the series if you want to know the rest!

Nat is definitely a fiery character. Very different from me as a person but I have a lot of fun playing into her quick-witted sarcasm and spicy personality. Working to find her from the ground up was such an easy process, mainly because of how well she was written by author Holly Smale.

What is Nat like to play and how did you prepare for taking on the role?

Slipping into Nat was so easy because of how well I remember my own experiences as a teenager and how the events in Season 1 are very similar to events in my childhood. Being able to relate to a character in that way always makes it an easier transition.

What is it like filming with the rest of the cast and how is it on set of the series?

Working with everyone was such an insightful process. It was my first acting job so being able to learn from my co-stars was a big privilege. Every day was different and I felt like a sponge around all of the actors.

Do you have any stand-out highlights from your time filming for Series 1 that you can share, and what are you looking forward to for returning to film the recently-announced Series 2?

We filmed Season 1 around two years ago now so a lot of it has blurred into one big memory, but I can tell you that every second was incredibly fun and I’m incredibly blessed to be able to say this is my job.

To come back for Season 2 is beautiful and I hope fans are excited to see what happens next in our story.

How was it watching the completed episodes for the first time and did you have any favourite scenes in Series 1 to work on?

I watched Season 1 with my family and close friends in my family home and it was such an intimate experience. It definitely felt surreal seeing myself on TV but the show was shot beautifully. My favourite scene would have to be the scene where Nat slaps the phone out of Lexi’s hand. It was such a satisfying moment.

Who do you think Geek Girl will appeal to and why would you recommend watching it?

I think there’s something in the show for everyone, old and young, every gender and sexuality, every person. But especially those who feel unseen in their world – who have so much to give but can’t always find the words. I think the show would bring those people comfort, and hopefully some confidence in who they are.

We understand you were part of the commercial for Odido last year, can you tell us about this?

The commercial I was involved in was probably the most work I’ve had to do physically. It was a three-day shoot but it was dance-heavy and it took a big toll on my body because I had to dance non-stop for eight hours every day until we got the shots that we wanted. It ended up working out fantastically and we’re really proud of our work.

Where does your love of acting come from and how did you get started in the industry?

I fell in love with acting after watching Aladdin when I was a young girl. This definitely planted a seed and didn’t develop into a passion until I started acting at theatre school. I never really thought I could make anything of myself until I went back to that moment that I thought about how there was a lack of representation of South Asians in Hollywood. I think that’s what gave me the ammunition to put myself out there.

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

I’ve been branching out a lot more lately with movies. The classics are, well, classic. So I’d have to go with Shrek there. But recently any romcom that’s ever existed and Dead Poets Society are top spots.

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

When I’m not acting, I’m usually writing – songs or poetry mostly. And if I’m not doing that, I’ll be dancing or listening to music.

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

One of my closest friends, Bella Glanville, had told me to stop listening to others so much and trust in who I was and what I bring to the table. It’s such simple advice but I really needed to hear it and when she said it, something stuck because ever since, I’ve trusted myself to do what I need for the integrity of the work.

Apart from Series 2 of Geek Girl, do you have any projects coming up that you can talk about, and what are you hoping this year brings?

At the moment, I’m focusing on Season 2 as a project so I can bring everything authentic to Nat and the storyline. Hopefully afterwards we’ll have something to talk about!

Rochelle Harrington is represented by Jo Southwell at Aston Management www.astonmgt.com/

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