Kate Luo plays lead character Ruby in the new CBBC series Girl Troop vs Aliens opposite her co-leads Madeleine McKenna (Tilda), Kayla-Mai Alvares (Kiara) and Bonnie Hill (Ginny), with the series having released in March. Girl Troops vs Aliens features best friends Ruby, Tilda, Kiara and Ginny as members of the Brighthawks, with their plans for a summer camp not going to plan. Also having commercial experience, Kate worked on the Nissan EV School commercial web series, which released in 2023, and her first role was for the Haven Holidays Summer Breeze commercial, and this summer, Kate will be filming a TV series. We talked to Kate about playing Ruby in new CBBC show Girl Troop vs Aliens, what it’s like playing a lead character in a CBBC show and working on commercials for Nissan and Haven Holidays.

What was it like finding out you’d booked the role of Ruby in Girl Troop vs Aliens, and how does it feel to be playing a main character in a new CBBC show?

I was really shocked and excited to be a part of the cast! Being chosen to play a main character made me feel so proud, and I was really looking forward to filming!

How would you describe Ruby and do you have any similarities to her in real life?

Ruby is a rather nervous character, but is also smart, kind and loyal to her friends. I think, although she is a bit of a scaredy cat, her character evolves and becomes really resilient and resourceful, like when she fixes the spaceship at the end. We both enjoy learning things about science, especially space, and I think I can get a little bit anxious like Ruby too!

Can you tell us about Girl Troop vs Aliens, and what is Ruby like to play?

Girl Troop vs Aliens is a funny and quirky show about four girls who, through their friendship, save some extraterrestrials from a scary fate! It teaches not to judge a book by its cover! Ruby is very fun to play as I really enjoy exploring a new side of myself through her character!

What do you remember from your first day on set, and what was the first scene you filmed?

On the first day, we filmed the gang meeting up outside the campsite. It was fun because it reminded me of the first time I met everyone too. We actually have a group chat where we still keep in touch!

What was it like meeting your fellow lead cast members Madeleine McKenna (Tilda), Kayla-Mai Alvares (Kiara) and Bonnie Hill (Ginny), and how was it filming with them and the rest of the cast?

Meeting my fellow lead cast members was amazing. Everyone I worked with was so nice and supportive, and me and the other girls had lots of fun, both on set and off set.

What did you enjoy most about being on set of Girl Troop vs Aliens?

What I enjoyed the most about being on set was getting to learn so much from the people around me. Being able to learn from other cast members’ skills made the atmosphere so incredible!

How did you feel on the release day in March and what was it like watching the completed episodes?

On release day, I was so excited. I couldn’t believe it was real seeing my face on TV! My family were really excited and happy for me too!

Can you tell us about filming for the Nissan EV School commercial web series, which was released in 2023?

Before I filmed for the Nissan EV School commercial, I went on a go-karting experience so I could prepare for when we raced with mini electric cars. It was incredibly fun, but when I actually filmed it, it was AMAZING. The part where we all walk together, I actually felt like I was walking to a real race!

What was it like being part of the Haven Holidays Summer Breeze advert for your first role?

My sister and I went to see The Little Mermaid at the cinema, and at the start when the adverts play, the Haven Holidays advert appeared on screen! It made me feel so proud and excited – I felt like a real movie star!

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

I love acting because I think it is based on sympathising and understanding different characters. No matter what role I’m playing, the characters always have their personal thoughts and feelings, which I find really fun to explore. I got into acting after I did some summer schools and lessons with my agent.

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

Some series I’ve been binging recently include Young Sheldon, because he really makes me laugh! My all-time favourite film is My Neighbour Totoro because the animation is so beautiful, and my sister and I watched it together for the first time.

How do you like to spend your free time?

I like reading, watching documentaries, going on bike rides, and spending time with my older sister, who I look up to very much.

Do you have a process for learning scripts?

I read over it and try to understand what is going on in the scene. Then I imagine how I portray my character and how they are feeling about the other people around them.

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

Since I’ve done an advert and a TV show, I think it would be really cool this year if I could be part of a film! I’m filming a TV series in the summer, but can’t say what just yet!