Freeview Focus on... Jocelyn Jee Esien

21 October 2010

BAFTA nominated actress and star of Little Miss Jocelyn, Jocelyn Jee Esien is back on BBC Three for a side-splitting one-woman series called ‘ One Non Blonde’, every Wednesday night at 12.40am.

We caught up with Jocelyn to talk about Wonder Woman, Neighbourly love and her over-indulgence when it comes to Sherry.

1. Tell us about One Non Blonde: Down Under.

One Non Blonde is a comedy stunt show. There are three new characters that have cameras following them all over New Zealand on their individual journeys:

• Didio Amabo is a member of The Zimbabwe Women's Social Party and she is there to build links between the two countries
• Pammi Du Vois is an extrovert presenter/model/singer/actress and is filming her chat show round the country
• Titchy the rapper is trying to crack New Zealand and make an album at the same time

The people of New Zealand do not know that they are one person.... me!

2. You’ve appeared in The Bill, fooled the public as part of 3 Non Blondes and had your very own show ‘Little Miss Jocelyn’: what is the standout moment of your TV career?

I have two standout moments: one of them being nominated for a BAFTA for my first show. I still have to remind myself that it actually did happen. My other biggest moment was when I went to Buckingham Palace and met the Queen! Wow! Then, on top of that, all of her helpers/minions said they loved my show! Double wow!

3. What is your ‘Top TV’ moment from the past year?

Seeing Alex Skarsgard from True Blood in a dodgy shell suit. It shouldn't have worked but it was HOT! That’s when I knew I was destined to become Jocelyn Skarsgard!

4. What television series, old or new, do you think of as ‘Unmissable TV’ and why?

True Blood all the way! It’s safe to say that I don't know what life would be without it because I can't even remember what life was like BTB (before true blood). I watch it when I'm in the States because I don't have the patience to wait for it to finally be shown here. I can't miss any episode because there are too many layers to the story. I actually sometimes re-watch episodes and find new things. I am excited now, even just thinking about it!

5. Tell us what shows you are watching or recording at the moment?

I think you know what's first on the on the list.... True Blood! Also The X Factor, America’s Next Top Model, Strictly Come Dancing - all the important cerebral shows! Eastenders, Spooks, Come Dine With Me, Little Britain, Catherine Tate, Katy Brand Vs, Harry and Paul; I love, love comedy and I laugh every day, even sometimes to myself!

6. Which actor or actress would you most like to work with and why?

I have a big list and would love to work with Ricky Gervais, Harry Enfield and Paul Whitehouse. I worked with the latter two but was so in awe that I can't remember anything.

Also Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders. Again, I worked with the latter but was so in awe I can't remember anything! I have huge respect for them all and I think I would be a better actress after working alongside them. Also I would love Hugh Quarshie to play my Dad or Uncle because he's so wonderful. I have met him many times but as before, I was in awe I can't remember anything!

7. Tell us your guilty TV pleasure?

Neighbours. I stopped watching it for years but tuned in recently and saw that Paul Robinson was back. I thought “yay”, and ever since then I’ve been hooked. I once worked with an actor who also loved the show and we were both so excited about our shared love for Neighbours. I am choking up at the moment because this week someone tried to kill Paul who bares an uncanny resemblance to Simon Cowell!

8. Who was your childhood TV hero and why?

Wonder Woman. Hot pants, corset, a headband that had magical powers and the most cool theme music ever! I used to play a game where I would put a headband across my forehead, sing the theme tune, spin around and when I stopped I had to throw my headband at a target on the wall. Of course I never reached it; I just got dizzy and sick.

9. When was the last time TV made you cry?

I cried when Billie Jackson died in Eastenders because it brought back memories of when my brother passed, I actually couldn't watch it all. I thought Eastenders dealt with the topic in a really natural and touching way. Lindsey Coulson is just an amazing actress.

10. Now Freeview HD is available, which part of your body would you least likely to see in high definition?

My liver, because I love a sherry, or as my friends call it: "my granny drink". I would hate to see my liver in detail because I don't want it to put me off Harvey (Mr Bristol Cream)!