Helen: Jem's great for Gilly!

Here's a turn-up for the books. Sweet-natured Gilly Roach, played by Anthony Quinlan, was once madly in love with Steph Cunningham (Carley Stenson). But when he returns from his travels next week, he's completely smitten with new girlfriend Jem (Helen Russell Clark). It's not long before he proposes to Jem, sending Steph into a fit a of jealousy, and giving Cheryl Brady (Bronagh Waugh) an attack of the green-eyed monster too. We caught up with newcomer Helen Russell Clark to see how she's fitting into Hollyoaks life.

How are enjoying being in the show so far?

It's really good. Everyone's so nice. It's like a big family here.

Were you signed by the new producer, Paul Marquess?

No, I was brought in under Lucy Allan. I auditioned for the part of Rae, and I did a lot of auditions for that and came back later on.

What's your character like?

She's called Jem, and she's a good, fun, lively character. She's into martial arts and practises an Israeli one called Krav Marga. She's really honest and straightforward, which can sometimes get her into trouble but is also really refreshing. She's a nice girl overall. And she's really in love with Gilly!

How does she come into the show?

She met Gilly in Thailand, and he saved her from quite a fateful end with a shark. We don't see that onscreen - I did mention going to Thailand, but [the Hollyoaks bosses] didn't seem too keen! Gilly and Jem went travelling together, and he brings her back.

There's a bit of a love quadrangle, with Steph, Cheryl and Jem all fighting for Gilly's affections - Steph more so, but Cheryl still has soft spot for him.

And who does he want?

Me! Absolutely. I'm the new love in his life.

Are they going to be together for a long time?

I don't know. I haven't got those scripts, but for the foreseeable future, absolutely.

Does Jem catch anyone else's eye?

Well, I'm introduced through the students. Dave gets mugged, and I use my Krav Marga to get his wallet back. Dave and Charlotte both have a thing for Jem. But she only has eyes for Gilly. It's a really sweet relationship. They're really good together. People view him as a clown, but she sees something others don't and sees his real kindness. But she's a very free sprit and he's a bit of a home boy, so I don't know how that pans out.

Have you had to learn Krav Marga for the role?

Yeah, and it's hard to practise by yourself because it's proper fighting, and a lot of it involves disarming weapons. They have special conferences for it all round the UK, and it's quite specific. I think Hollyoaks wanted something for Jem that's defensive. It's a really practical skill and it suits Jem because she's an independent person.

Has it been hard to learn?

No, because I've done a lot of stage fighting. I went to drama school and did three years there. I did specialist courses and I've done a couple of fight films. I was also a gymnast as a kid, so I can do the high kicks and whatever is necessary!

Did you watch the show before?

A little bit. Not religiously. I've been playing catch-up since the beginning of December. It was exciting watching Gilly leave to go travelling because it was kind of pre-empting my arrival!

Do you think you'll become a bit of a pin-up now you're in Hollyoaks?

I don't know. We'll see how things pan out. I'll get advice on it and see what's best for my career.

What were you doing before you got the part?

I trained at Guildford School of Acting, where Bronagh Waugh (Cheryl Brady) and Claire Cooper (Jacqui McQueen) went. I graduated the year before last. I was part of an all-female theatre company, which I had to leave. I've mainly done theatre and not much TV, and I'm learning so much at the moment.

How did you feel when you found out you'd got the role?

I had just been indoor skydiving at a wind tunnel in Milton Keynes, and then I got the phone call. I literally thought I was going to have a heart attack because I was so buzzed! I was really happy.

Who are you getting on with at Hollyoaks?

Carley Stenson (Steph) and Bronagh have been life savers. I've been out with Bronagh, and Carley put me up in her spare room. Kris Deedigan (Des Townsend) is a nice guy, and Nathalie Emmanuel (Sasha Valentine) and Beth Kingston (India Longford). I've just moved and we all live in the same neighbourhood, so I am always popping over to see people.

Will you be sad to see Ricky Whittle (Calvin Valentine) leave?

He's a Southampton boy. He went to uni there, and that's where I'm from, so we have a common interest. He's a lovely guy. I haven't had any scenes with him yet, but it's always such a shame to lose someone, and he's a really popular character. He's a really talented guy and very good looking. I'm sure he'll go far.