Life, the new gripping drama from the creators of Doctor Foster [1], has been a hit among viewers since it landed on BBC iPlayer last week, and one of the reasons is the absolutely stellar cast. While Alison Steadman and Victoria Hamilton's performances have been just as incredible as we expected, it's newcomer Saira Choudhry who has really wowed us in her role Saira Malik, a university student determined to get to know her lecturer David (Adrian Lester) better.
As the story unfolds, we learn that there is more to Saira than meets the eye, and her bubbly, spontaneous personality hides a deep secret. Choudhry manages to make playing a complex and multifaceted role like Saira look effortless — but would you expect anything less from this seasoned soap star? Keep reading for everything you need to know about Life's breakout star.
She Cut Her Teeth in the World of Soaps
Saira Choudhry landed her first acting role on Hollyoaks at age 20 playing schoolgirl Anita Roy before moving to the cobbles on Coronation Street. "To work on a soap for a couple of years is the best training ground because it's the busiest schedule you're going to have and you're going to cover every emotion," she told I Love Manchester [2]. "I was really lucky to have that opportunity rather than booking a job which was just an episode. I was thrown in the deep end and had no choice but to swim!"
But Her Favourite Role Was Playing a Police Officer
"I love playing Tegan, she has been one of my favourite roles and storylines so far," Saira said of her role as feisty cop Tegan Thompson in the drama series No Offence when she spoke to VIVA [3]. "The FGM story was a great one to tackle because It raised awareness of such an important issue, but Tegan also allows me to play a fun and ballsy character."
She Has a Daughter Already Following in Her Footsteps
In fact, she's already bagged some pretty impressive roles, including new CBBC series [4] Creeped Out and a cameo on her mum's very own No Offence. "I was blessed to work with my 17-year-old daughter Leah on her second professional acting job," Saira told Channel 4 [5], "Not many actors get to ever work with their kids and especially not in the same scene together. She did giggle when I got my lines wrong — and I had to give her the "mum look" — a surreal experience!"
She Has a Lot of Love for Her Hometown of Manchester
Born and raised in Middleton, Greater Manchester, the 32-year-old actress is outspoken when it comes to her love for the city and it's thriving arts scene. "Manchester is home to some great TV shows," the actress told VIVA [6]. "I think maybe years ago, it would have been easier for those working in TV to head to London for work, but I don't think that's the case now."
In Fact, She’s Even Set Up Her Own Drama School to Help Young Actors Across the City
After making a name for herself in Hollyoaks, Saira found herself wanting to help other people in her area with dreams of making it big, so she set up the TV Talent Drama Dance Academy, which takes in children ages 3 to 18. While she's helped her protégés land countless commercials, plays, and even Peaky Blinders [7], Saira says it's not just about getting roles. "One of the things we focus on most is building the kids' self-belief," she says. "We can't guarantee everyone an acting job, but we can guarantee kids will gain more confidence and they can use it in all areas of their life."