REMIND US WHAT HAPPENED TO PAT KERRIGAN AT THE END OF LAST SERIES:
The Christmas Special hinted at a possible wedding for Pat and her inmate girlfriend Sheena, and Pat finally managed to expose Natalie Buxton for the “nonce” she really was.

DO YOU THINK PAT HAS CHANGED AT ALL SINCE THE LAST SERIES?
Pat has hardened back up again – the softness that came through with the Sheena relationship has vanished and she’s got her sights firmly on keeping Buxton in her place. Pat is now officially Top Dog.

WHAT IS IT THAT PAT DESPISES SO MUCH ABOUT NATALIE BUXTON?
Pat despises the crime Natalie’s committed and the fact that she has tried to cover the truth of it up. Pat was abused as a child and therefore fiercely fights to protect anyone who may be victimised.

DO YOU SYMPATHISE WITH THE FEELINGS THAT PAT HAS TOWARDS NATALIE?
I do sympathise with Pat’s feelings. Pat is locked up with Natalie so there’s no escape – there’s not the option to just avoid her or walk away. Plus she feels that if she stands by and lets Natalie influence others she is letting them and herself down.

DO YOU THINK IT WILL ALWAYS BE A BATTLE BETWEEN PAT AND NAT?
Pat definitely has the upper hand this series because Nat has lost creditability with the other inmates since she was exposed by Pat. Natalie resents this so she still tries to bring Pat down whenever she can, but Pat is stronger than that.

DOES PAT HAVE A LOVE INTEREST THIS SERIES?
Pat’s girlfriend Sheena has been released and has, for whatever reason, moved on. Pat’s heartbroken but is trying to get on with things. However there are definite sparks between her and new deputy Governor Lou Stokes, which consists of more than simple admiration.

IF THERE WAS ONE THING THAT YOU COULD CHANGE ABOUT YOUR CHARACTER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
I love playing Pat – her flaws make her fantastic to play, so I wouldn’t change a thing.

WHICH CHARACTER DOES YOUR CHARACTER GET ON WITH BEST AND WHY?
Pat admires Lou Stoke’s balls and senses a kindred spirit, but Pat confides most in the two Julies. If she was going to trust anyone, it would be them.

DO YOU THINK THAT TIME IN LARKHALL PRISON WILL CHANGE YOUR CHARACTER IN ANY WAY?
Pat’s no stranger to prison life – she was transferred from another prison where she was Top Dog so it’s much of a muchness for her.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE STORYLINE OF THIS SERIES SO FAR, INVOLVING YOUR CHARACTER?
About half way through this series I have an amazing storyline that kicks in; I can’t give anything away but it involves a head-to-head with Natalie Buxton.

IF YOU HAD THE CHANCE TO CHANGE THE CURRENT PUNISHMENT SYSTEM, WOULD YOU?
Too many women are sent to prison at great cost to the tax payer when there could be better ways of repaying society – does prison work?

WHAT IS THE WORST THING THAT YOU HAVE EVER DONE?
I broke Dannielle Brent’s nose last year! We were rehearsing a fight scene and my knee hit her nose accidentally – I was mortified.

PROTESTORS ARE OFTEN ARRESTED OVER AN ISSUE THAT THEY FEEL STRONGLY ABOUT. IS THERE ANY ISSUE THAT YOU FEEL STRONGLY ENOUGH ABOUT THAT YOU WOULD PROTEST AGAINST AT THE RISK BEING ARRESTED?
I feel strongly over the war in Iraq – I attended all the Stop the War marches. I’m all for protesting and getting your voice heard.

ARE YOU INVOLVED WITH ANY CHARITIES?
I would do anything to support Cancer Charities – anything to beat that disease.

WHAT ARE THE BEST AND WORST THINGS ABOUT BEING INVOLVED WITH BAD GIRLS?
For me, I love playing the character that I play – it’s a joy to be so strong. The cast and crew are fantastic people and I love coming to work every day. The worst thing is the food in the canteen!

DO YOU GET RECOGNISED WHEN YOU ARE OUT?
I do often get recognised but so far I’ve never had an unpleasant experience. It’s always nice to be recognised for your work.

BAD GIRLS IS PLAYING AT THE MOMENT IN LEEDS. WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT IT MOVING FROM THE SMALL SCREEN TO THE STAGE?
A group of us went to see the musical and we loved it. Laura Rogers is a friend of mine (she played my girlfriend Sheena) and she’s in the musical as a different character and she was absolutely wonderful.

WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR FREE TIME?
I sing and play piano and I’ve also just bought a guitar which I am learning to play.

REALITY TV SHOWS LIKE BIG BROTHER GIVE THE IMPRESSION THAT THE CONTESTANTS ARE LOCKED UP FOR ALL TO SEE. WOULD YOU EVER CONSIDER DOING ONE OF THOSE PROGRAMMES?
I was lucky enough to go in the camera room and look through all the mirrors/windows during the last Celebrity Big Brother. It was amazing – I have to say I find Big Brother fascinating. But I am not so sure I would be up for going in it myself.

IF YOU WERE IN PRISON FOR REAL, HOW WOULD YOU MAKE THE MOST OF TIME?
I think it would be horrendous. I like to think I’d try to keep improving myself in any way I could by learning new skills. I can’t imagine many things worse than having your freedom taken away.

ARE YOU INVOLVED IN ANY OTHER PROJECTS OUTSIDE OF BAD GIRLS AT THE MOMENT?
When I get time I’ve been trying to do some singing – I also really love teaching and try to lead the odd acting workshop.

WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND BROUGHT UP?
Redhill in Surrey.

WHERE DO YOU LIVE NOW?
Islington.