We spoke to your favourite Bad Girl about her organisation Acting Up
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY ITV
In 1999, Vicky Alcock came onto our screens as one of the OG Bad Girls – Julie Saunders. As one half of the iconic two Julies, Vicky brought sunshine to our screens for the entire seven-year run of the show.
Bad Girls stands the test of time as one of the most influential LGBTQIA shows of all time. With central sapphic storylines such as Helen and Nikki’s love story, Bad Girls brought queer issues to the mainstream in a way that hadn’t been done before.
24 years after Bad Girls aired, DIVA met with Vicky Alcock to speak about her new project: Acting Up. If you want to read more about Vicky’s time on Bad Girls, check out our October/November issue to get the behind-the-scenes insider scoop.
From Holby City to People Just Do Nothing, Vicky is a legendary force in front of the camera. However, as she continued through her career, she noticed that younger actors were struggling to navigate the industry. So, Vicky set up her organisation Acting Up to help encourage and support young actors.
“I run professional screen acting classes in London and on Zoom for all actors – whether they’re tall or short, bi or straight, trans or working class,” Vicky told us. “I will continue fighting and doing my best to help those who feel like they are lost or can’t find their way into the industry.”
“Acting Up is an ally and a perfect way to give confidence to voices who have struggled to be heard. I’m going to do anything I can. I have been there – I mean I haven’t been there in that way – but I have fought so much in my early years because I’m working class. They didn’t want to know me, and it was really bloody hard.”
Vicky specifically helps LGBTQIA youth to find their voice in front of the camera. One of her students – Cece Cox – has been attending sessions with Vicky since she was 12. With Vicky’s help, Cece has now gone to drama school and accepted her sexuality.
“Once someone is under the Acting Up banner, I will do everything I can to protect them because I will fight tooth and nail for my guys. I don’t want to change them, but I want them to be aware of what they are capable of.”
To read more about Vicky’s time on Bad Girls, get a copy of our October/November issue now!
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