Hollyoaks star Sarah Jayne Dunn

In the ten years that Sarah Jayne Dunn, 26, from Leigh, Greater Manchester, played Mandy in Hollyoaks she had some of the soap's biggest storylines. She has since gone on to star in Doctors, Drop Dead Gorgeous and most recently the new Batman film, The Dark Knight, due out summer 2008.

Sarah takes time out to chat with Best Friends Club about her life, loves and a fear of spiders.

What have you been up to since Hollyoaks?

It’s nearly two years since I left Hollyoaks and I’ve been really busy. I loved it there but I’d been in the soap for ten years and wanted a change. After leaving I was in the Innocence Project for BBC1 and then Doctors for nine episodes and I played Justine in Drop Dead Gorgeous which was really good fun.

I was recently cast in the new Batman film, which was amazing – the most incredible experience. My scenes were shot in London but the film was shot all over the world. It was incredible to work with such good actors and actresses.

I also recently launched an acting school with Helen Noble, who played Abby in Hollyoaks, and Graham Tudor, who has a lot of experience in the West End. It is a franchise of the Paul Nicholls School of Acting and it’s great to see the kids developing.

Do you miss being in a long running show?

I miss the people a lot, I spent more time with them than I did with my family and friends. It was twelve hour days and at one point seven days a week. I still see a lot of the cast - it’s nice to catch up. But at the same time – I wanted to get out of that routine.

Where do you call home?

Liverpool, I have lived here for seven years now. I moved here for Hollyoaks but I love it.

What is your beauty regime?

I have always been really good at taking all my make-up off. Before I was in Hollyoaks I did some modelling courses and the first thing they teach you is to cleanse, tone and moisturise. Being in Hollyoaks I was constantly having make-up applied and re-applied so I got into a good routine over the years. I use the Dermalogica range because my skin is really sensitive, I think from years of abuse it doesn’t like anything anymore. The Dermalogica range is really pure and nice.

What keeps you healthy?

I go to the gym – which I have just got back into over the last few months. I’m also doing the BUPA Great Manchester Run again for Marie Curie Cancer Care which is in May; I find I always work better when I have a goal. When I was in Hollyoaks that in itself is a workout as I was constantly on my feet. We always had photoshoots so I had some motivation to not eat rubbish and drink loads. I like exercise, like dancing, where you don’t know you are doing it. I’m not a big fitness freak, it is more a case of necessity.

Luckily I don’t have a sweet tooth, I’m more of a savoury person. My big weakness is cheese.

What is your favourite holiday destination?

Italy - I have only been a couple of times, once when we filmed Tony and Mandy’s wedding in Rome. It was just beautiful: the weather is nice and they have fantastic food and wine.

I’d love to go somewhere like Hawaii, but it is so far away and I don’t like flying.

What is your greatest fear?

I’m not a fan of spiders and I don’t like heights - I think that is where my fear of flying comes from. I would never let it stop me doing things though, life is too short.

Would you ever go on a reality show?

I would, but it would have to be one where you learn a skill. I couldn’t do the fly on the wall ones because I think I would be too conscious of being watched. Strictly Come Dancing would be great though. Something where you are taught a skill by professionals would be a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Which living person do you most admire?

Kylie is amazing. She is such a big role model for every woman out there who has had breast cancer. She has shown that you can get through it and look great, be positive and get on with your life. She comes across as so down to earth.

What is your most treasured possession?

I have lots of jewellery that belonged to my Granny. I also have a teddy that I have had since I was three. It is tatty as hell but came everywhere with me. It is the one thing I would have to grab if there was a fire.

What is the worst job you have ever done?

I was lucky because I have been in Hollyoaks since I was fourteen. I can’t complain. Before Hollyoaks I used to go to work with my mum during the school holidays. She was a bookkeeper and so she’d take me into work and get me to put stamps on envelopes or photocopy things. It put me off office work for life.

What is the best job you have ever done?

Batman – without a doubt. Hollyoaks was really rewarding - and I got the brilliant storylines – but for me, to work on Batman was amazing.

What keeps you awake at night?

Nothing – I like sleeping. Unless I have sat up late watching South Park.

You’re a big animal fan, why is it important to support veterinary charity PDSA?

Because I have always had pets and I am a sucker for animals. It makes me so upset when animals are mistreated and I think it is a great charity for people out there who have pets and can’t afford huge vets bills. A pet is just like another member of your family.

The PDSA provides free veterinary care for the sick and injured pets of those unable to afford veterinary fees and promotes responsible pet ownership.  It works through a UK-wide network of 47 PetAid hospitals and branches and some 349 contracted private practices (PetAid practices). www.pdsa.org.uk