In Series 5 of Malory Towers, Emily Costtrici joined the cast as new regular character Josephine Jones for the CBBC screen adaptation of Enid Blyton’s books. Emily works with a cast including Ella Bright, Danya Griver, April V Woods and Edesiri Okpenerho, and she attended the screening of Series 6 this year at the BFI Southbank in London, which included a Q&A with some of the cast members, before it was released on CBBC/BBC iPlayer in June. Whilst being in the cast of Malory Towers, Emily appeared on Blue Peter (also receiving a Blue Peter badge), and a Series 7 has already been filmed for an upcoming release, with Emily reprising her role of Josephine. Also a dancer, Emily is part of Flawless Dance Hub and performed at MOVE IT in 2024 and 2025, and she danced alongside Flawless at the Peacock Theatre in Flawless: Past, Present, Future. We recently caught up with Emily about her regular role of Josephine Jones in Malory Towers, what the CBBC show is like to be part of and being a dancer with Flawless Dance Hub.

How familiar were you with the Malory Towers franchise before auditioning for the role of Josephine Jones in Series 5 and how was it finding out you’d be joining the regular cast?

I was a huge fan of the Malory Towers franchise before auditioning for the role of Josephine Jones. Having watched the show multiple times, I found it captivating to see how the characters developed, the power of friendship, and the importance of standing up for what is right.

The audition process began with a request for a self-tape, which I received just a day before my flight to my half term holiday. I had to leave for the airport at 8:30am, so I woke up early at 4am to record the self-tape, unable to sleep the night before due to the excitement of possibly becoming a Malory girl! The next stages included a recall meeting where I met face-to-face with the amazing team from King Bert Productions, BYUtv and casting director Rob Kelly, and the director. I’m forever grateful to them for giving me this incredible opportunity, and in addition I had a chemistry read with one of the already cast members.

When I found out I had booked the role, I was overwhelmed with emotion. I received a request from my agent Sylvia Young Agency (which are simply the best!) asking me to come to their office, and I felt a mix of nerves and excitement. Upon arriving, I caught a glimpse of my agent through the door, shaking her head as if to say I hadn’t gotten the part. I was pacing back and forth, hoping for the best.

When I finally walked in, I tried to gauge the mood in the office, but everyone was keeping a straight face. Then, the head of the agency said, “Emily Costtrici, would you accept the role of Josephine Jones?”. My eyes widened, and I couldn’t contain my excitement – I started jumping and screaming, shedding a few happy tears then happy and excitement and crying again 😃. I immediately called my parents to share the incredible news.

Later, during a cast read-through in London, I felt so emotional meeting the original cast. I couldn’t believe I was there and that I would be part of such an amazing show! Everyone was incredibly kind and welcoming, making the experience truly unforgettable.

What do you remember from your first day on set of the project?

The first thing I remember about my first day was arriving at Heartland Abbey. Driving down to the Abbey was an experience I’ll never forget. As we approached, I couldn’t help but scream with excitement! We even started singing the Malory Towers theme music in the car – it was truly one of the happiest days of my life.

Once on set, I remember going to my costume fitting and then into hair and makeup, where the team worked their magic to transform me into Josephine. It was my first time wearing a mic, and I had no idea how everything worked, but the entire crew was incredibly kind and supportive, helping me and explaining everything along the way.

My first scene was filmed at a telephone box on a cliff next to the sea, which happened to be one of the audition scenes I had done. The scenery was absolutely beautiful, and I was bursting with excitement to film my very first scene ever on Malory Towers!

How would you describe Josephine and what is she like to play?

I feel incredibly grateful and privileged to have the opportunity to play Josephine. Her journey is compelling, as she evolves from someone who seemingly doesn’t care about anything, even the possibility of being expelled from school, a bit spoiled (always asks Daddy to save her 😃) – to opening up to her friends and showing vulnerability, when she revealed her mother leaving when she was young. Throughout the series, she matures, learns to value friendships, and takes ownership of her mistakes (most of the time 😃).

Josephine is a mischievous, funny, and cheeky character with good intentions, even if things don’t always work out for her! She learns the importance of friendship and goes to great lengths for those she cares about. Playing Jo Jo has been incredibly fun because there’s never a dull moment; she’s always up to something mischievous or trying to fix her mess.

Josephine as well experiences intense emotions, especially when she faces challenges, like being expelled by Gwen, visiting Miss Grayling’s office (which Jo had been to a few times 😉) and when her best friends leave the school. Overall, she has been an absolute joy to portray, and I will always hold a special place for her in my heart. Some of my friends might say that even today, she has taken over Emily at times – mischievous part in general! 😃

How is it reading the Malory Towers scripts for the first time, and have you had a favourite scene or episode to film in Series 5 or 6?

We had three read-throughs about a month before we started filming, and the production team sent us a few episodes ahead of time to read. The moment I received them, I sat down and read through the entire episodes. I was hanging on to every word. I felt so nervous for Jo Jo while reading episodes 5 and 6 of Season 5 when Jo was stealing the money – well, technically it was her money (I’m already defending her! 😃). I also couldn’t bear the tension of what would happen to Jo in episode 19; I had no idea what was coming!

The night before my first read-through, I felt both nervous and excited. When I finally arrived, I got to meet the entire production team, who were all so kind and put me at ease. The writers, who were amazingly talented, shared that they were nervous too, as we were bringing a character from Enid Blyton’s books to life that hasn’t been seen before and shaping her. Everyone was incredibly welcoming and supportive. I also met the directors, hair and makeup team, and the support crew, all of whom made me feel right at home.

When I met the original cast, they welcomed me with open arms and hugs, which made me feel like part of the Malory family. I was thrilled to meet them! My form from the 2nd form cast was also so welcoming; we instantly bonded and started making TikToks together, forming a close-knit group.

During the read-through, we sat around a huge table, and I looked around, amazed that I was sitting with the entire cast. I had to pinch myself! I was a bit nervous just before my first line, but once I started reading, I felt like Jo and had so much fun – it was such a comfortable experience.

As for my favourite scenes, I enjoyed filming every one of them! Some of my favourites from Season 5 include the maypole and circus scenes, as well as the emotional goodbye to my classmates in episode 19, which was a very emotional day. In Season 6, I loved filming the scene where the washing turned pink; it was hilarious and full of memories!

Plus, in Season 7, which hasn’t aired yet, I have a lot of favourite scenes that I can’t wait for the fans and audience to see!

What is it like being part of a screen adaptation of Enid Blyton’s novels and playing a regular character on a popular CBBC series?

I feel it is a huge privilege to be part of the adaptation of such iconic novels that have been cherished by generations of families, not only in the UK but worldwide. It reminds me of an amazing fan – a sweet girl who came to watch a preview of Seasons 5 and 6 at the BFI. She brought with her the original book that had been passed down from her grandmother to her mother and now to her, and she asked me to sign it. That moment truly encapsulates what this experience is all about.

Bringing Jo Jo to life has been a fantastic and rewarding experience, though it also came with some nerves due to the legacy of the novels. I’m so happy that she became a regular character and that I could be part of her journey from Season 5 to Season 7 (which is yet to come).

As I mentioned in my previous reply, the screenwriters play a crucial role behind the scenes. While the actresses receive recognition from fans, the writers, production team, and entire crew deserve so much more credit for their hard work. They make it possible for us to do our jobs effectively, and without them, there wouldn’t be a show. They are truly amazing, and I am grateful for everything they contribute!

How has it been seeing the fan response to the arrival of Josephine, and how was it reprising your role in Series 6, which was released this year?

When Season 5 first aired, I was already on set filming Seasons 6 and 7, so I didn’t initially know how fans would respond to Josephine. It wasn’t until one of the original cast members sent me a TikTok edit of my character that I realised the positive reception. The edit was so lovely, and I still enjoy watching these creative fan edits!

I read some of the comments and saw that many viewers felt a connection to Jo and feel she is funny and misunderstood 😃.

One comment stood out to me, where a fan shared that she also lost her mother when she was young, and it was incredibly emotional to read.

At the screening of Season 6, I spent time with the fans, taking pictures and signing autographs. I made an effort to write personal messages for as many fans as I could because I understand what it’s like to be a fan myself. I truly feel the love from the fans, and it motivates me to give even more in return!

I’m thrilled that Jo Jo’s journey continues in Season 6 and that there’s more to come in Season 7! I get to know her better, dive deeper into her character, and have even more fun portraying her. She’s such a funny character and has a huge range of emotions, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to play her!

Do you have any stand-out highlights from your time involved with Malory Towers so far that you can share?

One of the stand-out highlights for me was meeting the cast and crew for the first time. The entire filming experience, both on set and off with the cast, has been unforgettable. I absolutely loved being in Devon and Cornwall; it was wonderful to explore such beautiful parts of the UK.

One of my favourite filming memories from Seasons 5 and 6 was riding a horse at the maypole scene. I love animals, so that was a fantastic and fun experience for me!

Another significant moment with CBBC was appearing on Blue Peter. Being part of such an iconic show was a huge highlight, and I was thrilled to receive my Blue Peter badge!

Additionally, a stand-out moment with BYUtv was my interview with them, which hasn’t been broadcast yet. They came all the way from the USA to the set in Bristol, and it was great to meet the people behind BYUtv!

What was it like seeing your first episodes as Josephine Jones air on screens in 2024?

I don’t think I truly realised I was actually part of a TV series until I saw myself on my own screen at home. While we watched the episodes together on set in the evenings when we weren’t filming, it hadn’t fully registered that it was me on screen, live on CBBC. It was only when I watched it with my family at home that it all clicked into place!

Seeing myself on screen was one of the best days of my life! I was so excited to see how everything came together, and I was blown away by the amazing job everyone did.

We understand you have also worked on commercials, can you tell us about some of them?

Yes, I’ve worked on two commercials, and the story behind how I got the job of one of them – Robinsons – is what stands out for me, as it taught me a valuable lesson.

I was at home with a bad flu, unable to talk and feeling pretty miserable, mostly sleeping the day away. In the afternoon, I received an email from my amazing agency, Sylvia Young Agency, asking me to send a recording of myself singing just the chorus of Girl on Fire by Alicia Keys for an exciting opportunity. I hesitated and asked my dad if he thought I could do it since I couldn’t even speak and had a husky voice. He reminded me that I had been in a similar situation before and encouraged me to try, saying that when I sang, it often didn’t sound as husky.

So, I warmed up my voice and sang, and to my surprise, it actually sounded normal! We sent the recording, and I tried not to think about it. The next day, I found out I got the job! It was a commercial for Robinsons, and I had the chance to work with the amazing Steve Sidwell, a Grammy Award winner. The whole commercial involved everyone gurgling the song, and I had to sing the chorus. He even taught me how to gurgle – it was my first time ever – and I ended up discovering a new talent 😃.

Just three months later, I was informed that the commercial had been accepted by Alicia and the production team, and it would air during the breaks of Britain’s Got Talent and also be played on the radio. Hearing my voice on the radio was such a fun experience!

The lesson I learned from this is to never say never and to embrace every opportunity that comes my way.

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

I’ve always loved being on stage and entertaining, as far back as I can remember. I used to watch Disney movies and secretly dreamed of becoming a Disney princess – though it wasn’t much of a secret 😃.

I vividly recall my first performance in my school when I was just five years old, and I had the main role. My dad came backstage to wish me luck, and I told him I felt nervous but excited, with butterflies in my tummy. He reassured me that it was a good sign, as it meant I cared and was excited! When I stepped on stage and started my monologue, all my nerves disappeared, and I felt calm and truly myself. It’s been like that ever since, but I never dared to dream that acting could be my career. Even when I played the main role in my Year 6 production of Olivia, I dreamed but didn’t fully believe it could happen, despite the support of my parents and teachers.

Everything changed when I met one of the most important people in my life, Sylvia Young, who sadly passed away on July 30th this year – she has changed so many lives including mine, she was such an inspiration to us all. My life wouldn’t have been the same without her belief in me and her encouragement to follow my dreams. Before I joined Sylvia Young Theatre School (SYTS), she had a Zoom call with me that injected a newfound confidence in myself! Forever grateful. Her spirt will live on in all of us who were lucky enough to know her.

Joining and going every day to SYTS has been one of the happiest times of my life. At the same time, I joined the Sylvia Young Agency, which has been a wonderful experience – they are incredibly supportive and always by my side no matter what. Their wise words and belief in me and the opportunities they provided helped shape my love for this industry.

When I auditioned for Malory Towers and got the role, being on set made me realise that this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. I feel so lucky to have had this opportunity in such an amazing production, with producers who create a safe and supportive environment for me to express myself.

As a dancer, you are part of Flawless Dance Hub and performed at MOVE IT 2024 and 2025 and at the Peacock Theatre in Flawless – Past, Present, Future; how is it performing with the group and can you say more about your dance experience?

Being part of Flawless Dance Hub has been an incredible experience for me! Performing at MOVE IT in both 2024 and 2025 was thrilling, especially since we performed on the main stage with an electric atmosphere. At the Peacock Theatre in Flawless – Past, Present, Future, we had the honour of performing alongside the original dancers of Flawless, an incredibly talented group that has been performing for over 20 years. This performance celebrated their extraordinary milestone.

These opportunities, along with many other performances with the group, have allowed me to grow as a dancer and connect with individuals who share my passion. The energy and camaraderie within the group are inspiring, and I love how we support each other in both performances and rehearsals. Each show is an opportunity to showcase our hard work and creativity, and I’ve learned so much about teamwork and discipline through our rehearsals.

While I practice jazz, ballet, and tap at SYTS, Flawless was something entirely new and different for me at the beginning four years ago. But Marlon Wallen, the founder of Flawless, infused confidence in me and allowed me to grow. Being involved in such a dynamic and professional environment has truly enhanced my skills.

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

Some of my favourite TV series and movies include: The Vampire Diaries, the original 90s cast of Charmed, Veronica Mars, The Little Mermaid, 13 Going on 30, and Percy Jackson and the Olympians. There are many more, but those definitely stand out to me!

How do you like to spend your free time?

In my free time, I’m just like any other teenager. I love hanging out with friends, watching movies and TV, and shopping – though my parents aren’t as thrilled about my shopping habits! 😂 I also play the piano and have a huge passion for singing, which has recently evolved into songwriting. What started as a task for my music GCSE has turned into several songs that I’m currently working on. I often sit by my piano and start writing! And I like drawing.

Do you have a process for learning scripts and what do you feel you’ve learnt from being in the acting industry so far?

When learning scripts, I usually read through them twice if I have time. Then, I highlight my lines and record the other characters’ lines, practicing along with the recording. I like to read the script before I go to sleep because I find that helps me remember it better; I often even dream about the scenes! This happened frequently while filming Malory Towers – I would go to sleep and dream about the scenes, waking up ready to go 😃.

If I’m really struggling, I’ll write down the first letter of each word on a piece of paper, including all of the punctuation. I then use my recording of the other lines as prompts.

As for what I’ve learned so far, I love this industry, and my advice to anyone considering it – go for it – and to be prepared to put in a lot of hard work and commitment if you truly want to succeed. Once you prepare for an audition or self-tape, focus on what you can control – your preparation and commitment. After you send in your self-tape, try to forget about it; what’s done is done, and it’s no longer in your control. Don’t get discouraged by a “no”. You may face rejection in this industry, but persistence is key. Keep at it and seize every opportunity to perform; I see auditions as opportunities to perform, and performing is what I live for.

My agency once told me, after I almost landed a job but lost it at the last minute, “We firmly believe that everything happens for a reason”.

I’ve also learned that when one door closes, another one opens. For example, I reached the final round for a West End show after several auditions, but a week later, they changed the age criteria, and I lost the opportunity. If I had gotten that job, I wouldn’t have been able to do Malory Towers, and I’m so grateful that it ended up I did Malory – it’s been the best choice of my life so far!

What are you hoping this year brings for you, and do you have any projects coming up that you can talk about?

I hope this year brings more exciting projects, whether in film, TV series, or stage. However, I’m unable to discuss any specific projects due to confidentiality regarding what I may be considered for.

I also hope to learn more this year to become a better actress and artist. I’m always striving to spread positivity and work towards being the best version of myself.

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