Kerry Howard interview
Kerry Howard gives the lowdown on what her character - Laura - is up to in the new series...
What's in store for Laura this series?
A lot is in store for Laura, she's definitely more highly-strung and she definitely has an agenda. She's desperate for a lot of things - and I was quite shocked when I read what's going to happen in the script! She's just met Julie Taylor who is Steve's ex, and she's so impressed by her that she goes for a job in Boots, just to be like her... it's like a bromance, it's a girlmance. She's in love with her, and it's quite inappropriate as she is Becky's sister.
So you see a change of relationship with her sister and her fiancé?
She's a lot more selfish in both relationships and obsessed by wanting a job in Boots (if she does get one she'll definitely just lose it, it won't last). Laura is so stupid she doesn't see the motivation in why Julie Taylor might help her out and has befriended her i.e. to get to Steve. She just goes "Oh my God this really beautiful person who's blonde and gorgeous wants to be my friend, because I'm amazing too". But really, she's just going to be used.
What do you think the biggest change to Laura has been from Series 1?
I'd say she probably thinks she has her own voice more, but she doesn't, because her relationship with Shelly is much more vitriolic. She's much bitchier to Shelly, and I think that's because she's desperately insecure, and any moment that she can enhance her status and have her own voice she just lashes out at people. I believe this whole series is about love... beginning love, the middle of love, and the end of love. That's what I think the big theme is, in this series.
Does Laura still look the same?
Laura's costumes are still very "slutty". Laura's very proud of her body; she likes to show it off. She likes her hairstyles, and she's got some interesting plaits coming your way. Her style icons are Cheryl Cole and Katie Price.
How have you found filming this series, compared to the last?
It feels like we've never been away and I feel much more confident as an actress this time around. The way Richard directs is very specific, and it's very "anti-comedy" in a way, and I've come from a comedy background. Him & Her is all about being as beautiful and as real as possible, and I don't think the public would've embraced it as much as they have if we didn't have Richard's directions - it's lovely how it's just very subtle - it could almost be a drama sometimes, and I love that.