5 minutes with...SIWAN MORRIS
We met Caerdydd and Skins star Siwan Morris for coffee in Cardiff Bay, where she kindly modelled our t-shirt and hoodie for us
So Siwan, what's on your mind today?
That the weather has been glorious. I've had a lovely relaxing weekend. Let's hope the summer has finally arrived.
How did you find your ilovecf photoshoot experience?
I'm a big fan of 'America's next top model' and because of that, I love the idea of flirting with the camera. However, I have never considered myself to be photogenic, so I always feel like a bit of a dork when I do get in front of the camera. But it was lovely to meet you guys, Jason and Ian and it was a fun afternoon. Just hoping that we got some good shots and that I don't look too tired in them. I was on night shoots that week! Honest.
How did you get into acting / was it something you always wanted to do?
Yes, I have always wanted to be an actor, since I was about three years old.
I would perform in front of my family and their friends, singing songs and dancing for them when I was very young.
I went to a Welsh School, and had the opportunity there to perform in Eisteddfod's. I entered into every Eisteddfod competition I could that involved Drama. It's a great opportunity to play with language and come up with ideas.
When I was Thirteen, I auditioned and got in to the West Glamorgan Youth Theatre Company. I was a member of the company for about five years, doing plays or devised projects every Christmas, Easter and Summer. That was a fantastic experience and a great learning process as well as a lot of fun. I am still very close to the friends I met there. As I am with the friends I met on the National Youth Theatre of Wales, which I joined when I was sixteen; I was with the company for two years before going to Drama school at Manchester Metropolitan University. The course at Manchester was brilliant, tough, but brilliant. I found it to be an invaluable experience both personally and professionally.
Thankfully, I got an agent in the third year of Drama School and then, auditioning and the whole casting process began.
If you weren't an actor, what would you be?
I always wanted to be an actor and was determined that I'd get there. I had no plan B.
You're a pin-up for most teenage boys ever since your appearances in Skins. How's life changed for you since then?
A 'Pin up'? Well thankyou, I'm flattered. Skins was great exposure and a fantastic series to be involved with. I get recognized a lot more when I'm out because the program has been so popular.
Tell us how filming for Caerdydd is going.
It's going great. I'm really enjoying working on the fourth series, with a group of people, cast and crew, who have become friends over the last four years. We're like a family, during the time we're filming. I love it. There is a dynamic atmosphere on set, with lots of good work and also we have a lot of fun with each other.
What's next for Siwan on TV?
Well, at present the third series of 'Caerdydd' is being shown on S4C on Sunday evenings and repeated on Thursday evenings. I'm filming the fourth series now and that will be aired next year. I'm also filming the third series of 'Con passionate' at present and thoroughly enjoying that too.
How do you find theatre work compared to TV work?
I love both mediums for different reasons. Theatre work is amazing. You get a rehearsal period, which you hardly ever get with TV work. Personally I find Theatre work much more rewarding and harder than Television. But it can be exhausting in an exhilarating way.
I love filming too. It's just a different way of telling a story and the possibilities are endless. I especially like the fact that you have achieved what you and the director desire from a scene and it's been filmed. The scene's left and you move on to the next one. It's very fresh and keeps me on my toes.
What's your favourite way to relax?
With friends, they are the best tonic. I also like reading, exercise, taking longs baths and walking my dogs.
What are your plans for the future, professionally and personally and where do you want to be in 10 years' time?
I just want to do more good work. Projects which I find challenging and rewarding. Do Work I can be proud of. Personally? Who knows what's around the corner. But I aim to make the most of every day.
What would you do if you won the lottery?
Pay all my family's mortgage off. My parents, sister and brother. I'd take them all on a holiday of a life time, then I'd use the time away to consider my options with the rest of the winnings.
What's your most treasured possession?
My family are precious to me.
What is your favourite restaurant?
It depends what I fancy eating. I like Curry, so it would be the 'Eurasian', in Canton, for that. I like Italian too, so it would have to be 'Cafe Minuet', which is in the Castle Arcade, the food is delicious. I'm also a fan of the 'Happy Gathering' in Canton.
What is your favourite bar?
I like Bar orient, Park Plaza and Milgi's for their cocktails.
What is your favourite club?
Sorry, I haven't been clubbing for years.
Where would you take someone on their first visit here, to show them
Cardiff at its best?
Well I think Bute park is pretty impressive in the centre of the city. So perhaps a walk there on a hot day followed by dinner at 'Cafe Minuet'. Perfect.
Big thanks to Jason Aspinall for taking the photos. Visit his chilledatthebottom photography website to see more of his work.