Party Animals
Shelley Conn plays Conservative Ashika Chandiramani
"It's much more exciting to be on the attack with the rising Party rather than defending the one that's in crisis."
Why does Ashika describe herself as the rebel of her family?
"Basically because the rest of her family are hardcore Labour supporters! She likes the irony of being perceived as a rebel for being Conservative but it's a sensitive subject ... it seems to have caused a bit of friction in the Chandiramani household."
What do you think encouraged her to switch from her family's Party to the Conservatives?
"Ashika is an ambitious character who likes a tussle and needs a challenge, so becoming a Conservative in today's political climate would appeal to her nature. It's much more exciting to be on the attack with the rising Party rather than defending the one that's in crisis.
"Also, I think she really likes the idea that she'll stand out in the Party. I'm not saying she chose to be a Tory purely to be provocative, but it would've been a very obvious move to join Labour."
Despite the fact that Westminster is a more forward-thinking place these days, Ashika still experiences prejudice. How does she cope with this?
"She's completely aware that people will assume she's only on the A-List because she's a woman and she's Asian. For the most part, she just lives with this and allows it to wash over her.
"I think that, secretly, she's probably happy to let those things work in her favour and ride the wave she's on. That's the sort of thing she and her colleague Matt would joke about, which is great because it stops Ashika from being a victim or a puppet. But, regardless of that, she's confident in her abilities and won't pander to assumptions that are made about her.
"However, if someone pushes the wrong button in her, she can become pretty defensive, and has no problem standing up for herself. She's forceful when she wants to be."
Tell us about the chemistry between Ashika and Scott...
"There is a powerful chemistry which I think has been developed beautifully by the writers. When Ashika and Scott first meet, it's playful and fun, but it becomes something much more and it's something I don't think either of them is prepared for.
"The journey they go on is full of twists and turns and it's never dull for Ashika. It's not just about her falling for Scott – she's facing something which is quite new to her. Usually, she doesn't have to consider her love life; her relationship with James is controlled for her because of his marriage, so she's totally perplexed by her feelings when Scott enters her world."
Did you do any research or base Ashika on any current politicians or candidates?
"I was introduced to a couple of really interesting people from the Conservative Party – I can't mention their names but they were both incredibly generous with their experiences.
"The woman I met had such a brilliant energy and she seemed fearless – you knew she'd had to prove herself because she was young and female. I loved her absolute determination to become an MP. She had an infectious confidence and I found myself really admiring her.
"But the thing I noticed about her which made me like her even more was her humanity. She told a story about bursting into tears on the phone to her sister after a terrible week at work. I completely related to that vulnerability underneath the steely composure, and felt that that was the real key to Ashika."
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