Head of development Synchronicity on shopping, The Smiths and sensory deprivation
Growing up I…
Wanted to be a doctor, because I thought it would be like ER. A week’s work experience in the NHS put paid to that ambition.
My mentor
Working with the amazing Ruth Kenley-Lett s on my first script editing job. She was so supportive and taught me a lot about the type of producer I wanted to be.
Last time I cried
Reading Tom’s Midnight Garden to my son. The final chapter is an absolute killer.
Passion outside TV
I wish I could say something like rock climbing or painting, but the honest answer is probably clothes shopping.
My big break
Getting on the BBC’s Production Trainee Scheme. It was an incredible way into the industry. At interview, I pitched a dating show for rubbish footballers called Bag A Wag, which I think sealed the deal.
Career ambition
To win an Oscar, obvs.
Celebrity crush
Noah Wyle in ER and now The Pitt .
Best pal in the industry
Jonathan Taylor (creative director at Raw). A friendship forged on the BBC trainee scheme via post-work pub crawls around Soho (special mention to The French House).
Devastating rejection
Being told I was too young to be in my school’s production of Guys And Dolls aged 13. I was gutted.
Moment of clarity
My first day on a drama set was on the EastEnders backlot. It was absolutely magic and I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be.
Massive mistake
Training as a corporate lawyer post uni. I hated it and spent many hours listening to The Smiths’ Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now before finally quitting.
Deal with stress
I tried a sensory deprivati on tank on a particularly stressful job, which was fun.
Funniest day in TV
Overseeing the cast of Cold Feet learning a choreographed dance routi ne to Rapper’s Delight
Born and bred
In Bolton. I’m a proud northerner, even if my accent’s gone a bit wonky aft er 14 years in Glasgow.
If I were DG for a day…
I’d come to Scotland to see first-hand the wealth of talent here.
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