             |
 |
|
       
   
   |
|
| ● ABOUT ZOE LUCKER ►► |
| BIOGRAPHY |
| The original version of this biography was featured in 'The Mirror'. Zoe is talking about her life to journalist Yvonne Swann |
|
GROWING UP I grew up in Huddersfield where my parents did all sorts of things. Before we four kids were born, they spent a year and a half doing voluntary service in Zambia, then went into teaching. My dad set up his own stained glass design business, writes music and plays just about every instrument. I always wanted to perform but I didn't know exactly why or how. I was a bit of a show-off and I loved it at secondary school when a teacher, Tony Walker, wrote a part into a play for me. He was a fantastic influence in my life and gave me a lot of confidence. I did my A-levels at Huddersfield New College and it was there that I met another important mentor, Liz Hayward, who taught theatre studies. She was absolutely wonderful and helped me to apply to drama school in Manchester. Studying for my drama degree was hard work but I loved the actual acting and singing. It was a great preparation, and taught me a lot about discipline, integrity, focus and commitment. The teachers were inspirational. FIRST JOBS When I left drama school at 21, I got myself an agent and my first job was on tour with the Hull Truck Theatre Company in John Godber plays, including 'Dracula' and a comedy called 'The New Office Party'. Straight after that I did a Screen 2 film with Julie Walters and Robert Lindsay. It was my first telly and I had a very small part but it was fantastic. Julie is a heroine of mine and a true professional. By then I had moved to London. I rented a room and because I didn't know a soul I got myself a job in a restaurant called 'Ask Pizza' and worked there waitressing. That way I not only earned some money but I got to meet a lot of people and made loads of friends. Sometimes I spent a long time without acting work - eight months was the longest, although I was constantly going for auditions. I was waitressing or doing reception work in between and it was disheartening at times. But at least I was getting a bit of work. A lot of people can spend years without getting acting work. I did a bit of TV and theatre - things like the play 'Dead Funny' and a role in Linda La Plante's 'Trial And Retribution'. I was in 'Coronation Street', 'Where The Heart Is' and 'Doctors' and also did some presenting and reporting on BBC Choice. This industry is all about keeping going and hopefully luck will find its way to you. MY BIG BREAK That would have to be Footballers' Wives. The whole thing began two years ago. I had been doing reception work when I went for an audition for 'Bad Girls'. The casting director, Margaret Crawford, said: "You are not right for this part but I am casting for something called Footballers' Wives. Come to the auditions." The day I found out I'd got the part I was thrilled. The show has opened loads of doors for me. It has been amazing. MY ADVICE If you want to act, determination is the key - stick at it. And it's important to have the right attitude and motivation. Fame is just a by-product of hard work, staying true and having integrity in what you do. So work hard and make sure you are somebody that other people like to work with. |