One to Watch: Actress Sabrina Bartlett

You may not know her name but you will soon recognise her face. As an up-and-coming actress, Sabrina Bartlett is certainly one to watch. This year alone she has already appeared in Suspects, Holby City, and Doctor Who and has also filmed an episode of Midsomer Murders. She can currently be seen in World War 1 drama The Passing Bells which started this week on BBC One and also has a starring role in BBC’s remake of Poldark. It won’t be long before Hollywood comes calling for this British beauty.

In an interview with Belle About Town, Sabrina talks about juggling acting jobs, body image and which hunky Hollywood actors are on her acting wish list…

When did you realise you wanted to be an actress?
My initial dream was actually to become a ballet dancer. It was through the story telling aspect of dance that I discovered my love of acting – transforming into something or someone and creating the world they exist in.

You come from a creative family, would you say this is your creative outlet?
My family are probably the ones that understand the most when it comes to the highs and lows and general craziness of this profession. They don’t bat an eyelid when I sit in the kitchen telling them stories, which is both grounding and comforting to have.

You have been filming a lot this year, what has been the best thing about all this work?
By far the best thing has been the opportunity to learn – each job in its way has taught me something. I endeavour to continually push myself to become the best actor I can be.

With all the heavy make-up and constant hair changes while filming, how do you keep your skin and hair in good condition?
The hair and makeup teams are very diligent when it comes to looking after their actors – I’ve actually found it’s the best way to understanding and maintaining good skin and hair when your around the experts!

Being away from home and filming for long hours, what do you do to keep centred and healthy in body and mind?
I find it’s important to switch off my work brain when doing such intense hours. I find swimming is my outlet, or being outside.

Being an actress and in the public eye, do you feel pressure to look a certain way or be a certain weight?
I think with this profession you have to enter into it with a healthy self image otherwise there could be a tendency to self destruct. Believe in yourself and know who you are.

How have you had to change your routine for a life on set?
Having a busy shoot schedule actually encourages me to organize my routine a lot better! It’s a bit like having a school timetable again when you have to fit your social calendar around homework and lessons.

When you are in London where are your favourite places?
There’s the most gorgeous pastry store and café in Peckam Rye called Southeden – they make these amazing pastries called Choumert Buns which are my favourite! I also love Zucca Italian restaurant in Bermondsey.

If you could take three months off and travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I would love to experience India and learn more about my roots (my granddad was from Calcutta). I would also love to go to blue lagoon in Rekyjvic. But top of my list is to see the northern lights.

If you could act with any of the hot male actors in Hollywood at the moment, who would you like to act with?
I am a huge fan of Michael Fassbender and Jake Gyellenhaal.

You have now been cast in DaVinci’s Demons, is Hollywood the logical next step for you?
We shall see! I will go where the right project and part takes me.

What three universal truths do you live by?
1. A good saying I believe can apply to many situations life can throw at you: ‘You can’t lose what you never had’