Jennifer Ness
Plays
Kris Yates
Tell us about your character
Kris has been sentenced to life for murdering her father and appears extremely hard on the exterior but actually she is brave and courageous and she has a very soft side. We start to see this as we get to know her character. If I met her I’d probably give her a wide berth because she comes across as pretty tough at first. If I got past that I think I’d like her. She could be a good friend - extremely loyal - but be wary if you get on the wrong side of her…
What do you like most about her?
I think her lack of fear of authority. She is extremely self-confident and nobody would ever walk over her whereas I am a bit of a pushover and I hate conflict.
Are you similar to her?
I think we would be like chalk and cheese because I want to make people feel comfortable and be bubbly. She would not do that. I think I can sometimes come across as a little bit hard but it actually comes from shyness.
Do you like her style?
Yes, she is very hip. Her look is based on the singer Pink. I would never have chosen it but now I love it. I used to have very long hair but it was cut it for the part. I always seem to play glamorous girlfriends so it’s nice to have a different type of role for a change.
How did you find coming into an established series?
My character is quite tough and unapproachable so it could have been quite isolated. Thankfully as I joined with Charlie (Charlotte Lucas) who is also new and plays my girlfriend Selena, I had an instant friend to stick with.
What’s the best thing about being a Bad Girl?
I really enjoyed working with the stunt co-ordinator and two stunt men. I had to fight two prison officers which was great because I’ve never done anything like that before. I was really kicking people, and then saying, ‘Please kick me, it’s fine’. They showed me all this special ducking and diving. It was great fun.
Is this your first on-screen lesbian romance?
Yeah, yes it is. We had a long audition process, so I kissed many girls in the auditions! It’s the first time I’ve worked with Charlie but we did kiss before!
Are you really a bad girl?
Well I haven’t got a criminal record but I am very close to losing my driver’s licence. I’ve probably lied my way out of things in the past but that’s as bad as it gets.
Having trained at Mount View Theatre School, Jennifer has appeared in Holby City, A&E, Hollyoaks, Peak Practice and London’s Burning. She has also performed in a number of theatre productions including End of Story and Rebecca.