Content Preparation, Productive in The Heat & Building A Better Rome

Hello world! Welcome back to another blog, and my final weekly highlights before I take a break for the summer holidays! This week was a challenge due to the hot weather (where as you can see below I had to resort to a Calippo ice lolly), but I managed to get some productivity going. So for the final time before a summer break, here is what I got up to from the week commencing 16th June 2025: 

Professional:

Acting Class:

This week in my acting class I continued to work on Meisner. Again we went back to the repetition and exercises to refresh my memory, and also looking at by saying how we feel about it what we see, we notice changes in our behaviour. Which is also very insightful! 

Prepping Content:

I’ve also been prepping some content to film and post in the next few weeks. One of which is my thoughts on this years Britain's Got Talent, where a lot of it might be abit controversial depending on how people look at it, but it’s just my thoughts on the show not just in this series but as a whole. Even though it’s not acting related, just getting myself on camera and putting it out there shows productivity! 

Short Film Budget:

This week I managed to relook at my budget from the money donated on my GoFundMe page for my short film. And I’m glad I’ve got a few left in the tank, but the key now is to keep going but not to get anyone hassled by it. I’ve also made the decision this week to hit pause on making my next film and I’ll explain why in the challenges section at the end of this blog, but as I go into the summer holidays, knowing that my budget is still in tact is enough for me. 

Act On This Podcast:

This week I listened to two podcasts this week. The first one I listened to was with an agent. They were really useful, and not only did they give me some tips and tricks for working with my current agent, but one of the actors they represent is also a really good friend of mine, and they work with the charity access all areas too. So it’s great to know that they are accepting of neurodivergent talent too! 

I also listened to the session with Hollyoaks director and I set acting coach David Crowley. This was a session where he took us through an acting technique to help with auditions, and yes it was similar to the stuff I’ve used already, it’s good to see it from the perspective of another creative. I also saw 3 actors give their take on the scene from Hollyoaks along with seeing the actual scene itself, and I’ll definitely take it on board with me for future references. But overall it was a really great session. A long one, but a great one!

Coronation Street:

This week I watched the show from 9th, 11th and 13th June. 9th saw Kit demanding a DNA test to be sure, but Brody just ended up getting mad at Lou for being around him again. Lou herself got into some more trouble by nearly crashing Gary and Maria’s lunch date and also querying Mick's van and also being asked by David to come into the salon, which a lot of customers weren’t keen on. And after the early sighting of Kit and Lou together, it didn’t take long for Kit to come face to face with Brody again after he stopped him from stealing a bottle of vodka. And even him trying to get Brody to show his vulnerable side didn’t help, as he only made a complaint to Lisa, who again made it clear to Brody of his dads true nature. And after suffering a seizure, Brody is showing signs of gratitude for Kit bringing him to the hospital in the first place, and Bernie’s mad intervention may help Kit discover if he is the dad or not. And Lisa (who warned Kit to keep out of trouble with Brody), is also feeling the pressure with it being Craig’s memorial in the next episode. Betsy was the one to ask Carla at the factory, but she knew that work is Lisa’s way of distractions which has happened before with Becky, and Roy also managed to give her some advice on Carla being in Lisa’s shoes. And Roy also seems to be the hero of the hour for Todd, as along with worrying about George, Millie revealing she’s pregnant was another challenge for him, and after convincing her to wait until she does a second test, she painted out like he made her wait, maybe as a way to get her dad back. But Roy's advice along with confiding in Gary and Sarah seems to have helped, although Theo does blame himself and so Todd allowed him to let him move back into his house to spend more time with his kids. But something tells me that it’ll only cause more drama. George was also feeling blue following Eileen’s departure, and we all need a sibling like Glenda who is there for them, but also gives tough love in the process. Although I wish Leanne could see that with Toyah, as her being spotted having a meal with Ronnie used her sisterly instinct to make sure that Ronnie doesn’t mess her around following his split with Debbie. But Leanne obviously wasn’t happy about it. 11th saw the day of Craig’s memorial, where after Kirk went to Norfolk for the funeral, he got understandably upset when Beth couldn’t come back to Weatherfield. But amongst the chatter and the good times, Lisa gave a heart warming speech (which is potential monologue material) about Craig’s life, knowing she’s already feeling the strain. And she gave a right talking to with Kit, who failed to make it to the memorial and also give the speech which Lisa had to do. And Lou’s presence affected the service, and after Gary convinced her to pick a side, the revelation of him buying Micks van is doing some damage to their relationship already. But she also has her own drama when Betsy saw her being jumpy when asking about some files, where Lisa did explain why it was, but the explanation to Carla of the real reason Becky died was hard to hear. And even though Betsy was fine about not having the letter, she enlisted Lauren’s help to find out the truth of the hit and run. And speaking of Lauren, she’s still learning about the bar, but some comments from Sally (who is in the process of a foster meeting)!didn’t help. But with Glenda's positivity she managed to get a bitter correct. Meanwhile Todd and Theo have managed to patch things up, but ongoing texts from Millie did drive a wedge, and Lauren and Glenda are convinced that he’ll have more chemistry with James, where they both confide in each other about their ex’s. But Theo managed to see sense and make sure he has family time and “Todd time”. Finally Friday 13th (directed by Marcus Lee), saw Maria making her stance clear to Lou about her and Liam, and after seeing some money at the salon (which Shona kindly took to David and was also a moment on Celebrity Gogglebox), her plan (which was discussed by Mick in the previous episode) was well underway when the Platts had their barbecue at the new number 8. So understandably, Maria is not to pleased when she turns up, thinking of the worst again. And whilst talking about relationships, she was then accused of hurting Lou and breaking David’s coffee table (which is all David seems to be worrying about lol) after catching her stealing. And whilst she admitted to having a scuffle, Gary started to believe Lous side of the story whilst being a good person to her. And Maria asking him if he likes her, Gary may have started to have doubts, which did cause worry for Liam, and he’ll be worrying even more when she’s arrested. There was also drama for Betsy, who made out she was seeing Dylan (which Carla and Lisa teased her about), but really it was to see Logan in prison with Lauren. But her search for answers was no luck, and she promoted to tell Lisa about why she did what she did. But thankfully they managed to patch things up and also looked at new houses which is definitely something to look forward to. Todd also had his own drama when he hasn’t got an invite to Millie’s birthday, and a notification whilst talking to a customer (which George managed to sort out) threw him off the scent. And after Brody refused to look after the girls (who is later mad when Lou reveals why she asked him in the first place), Tim offered, but he and Sally had to be more careful with their arguing, especially when one of the girls explained how it gets worse overtime. But Lou’s request for them to stay the night may require some action from social services due to Sally suspecting Tim is being taken advantage of, and rightly so. 

Hollyoaks:

This week we saw shocking revelations, answers for one resident in court, and a swift exit for another. Mondays episode saw the aftermath of Lucas punching Ste. Even though mood swings are one of the side effects of having a brain tumour, it’s not an excuse to start hitting people for me personally. And Tony was right for Ste to get checked out, and gave him and Lucas a real pep talk. But Lucas may have to help Dillon as well as Dillon helping Lucas after he suffers a panic attack following the trauma grace has put him through. Clare also gave Robbie an ultimatum for getting rid of grace for good, abit Vicky suggested the idea to start a new life with the cash she stole, but not before attending Casa McQueen for some drinks in honour of Freddie. But graces presence made Robbie more riled up and willing to do the job. But another panic attack left him in danger, but Vicky was there to stop it. And sienna is still having trouble bonding with Victoria, and Clare nearly got her again, but Sienna thankfully made it clear that she’s one of the Blake’s. And I do hope Cleo and Sienna make things work again, as not only will it be something nice after everything that’s happened, but it could also help with Sienna's bond with Victoria. Tuesdays episode saw the follow on from Vicky hitting Grace, and Robbie knew he had to leave the village, although Darren was not convinced about his lie. And Vicky was also upset when after being unable to find Donny to say goodbye, Robbie left without her. But with Grace still alive, she might be in deep trouble, but not before Clare tried to stop, which was then halted by Donny. But outside of it, Cleo really helped Sienna when Victoria was mouthing her, and helping them make cupcakes seemed like the start of their relationship again. But Cleo’s bombshell is a roadblock they will have to work through, and liberty trying to seduce Jeremy didn’t go to plan again this time. Tony and Diane also have trouble on their minds when Ro's trial is being moved to the next day, with Ro secretly being petrified for it. Although there was a moment between the two of them which I’m may develop in the midst of it all. And Dillon and Lucas came to an understanding when it came to the sexual department after admitting their troubles. But Lucas overhearing a conversation on the baby monitor is about to make Lucas’ mood a million times worse. Finally, Wednesdays episode saw Clare do the worst thing she could do and lie about having a terrible illness. Whilst sienna wasn’t convinced by her lie, Dodger was more concerned. But also managed to find some information on who victorias social worker was. I don’t know if it’s because he wants to expose Clare’s true colours or it it’s because he’s genuinely falling for her lies. Either way it’s going to be interesting. And Ro managed to get a rehabilitation program in place and nothing else, and he even managed to apologise to Oscar for what has happened. But I think the next topic will be who tony will want to be with… Marie or Diane. Sienna is also willing to stand by Cleo following her pregnancy news, which shows just how committed she is to her. Vicky was also in deep trouble when she reveals to Donny that she was the one who hit grace and that’s the reason why Robbie left, but he will do anything he can to protect his daughter, even if it meant breaking the law. And Lucas once again snapped at Ste and Dillon, thinking they’re having an affair. Dillon then revealed about a possible STI from his ordeal, and thankfully Lucas will support him through it. But I have a feeling Lucas’ mood will get worse before it gets better. 

Eastenders:

This week we saw a return of a Slater, one resident struggling and de ja vu for one resident. Mondays episode saw some carnage following the day after Kat and Alfie’s wedding. Tommy fakes pulling a sickie and Joel’s influence and an incident at the tube station (which was hard to watch), landed him in big trouble with Kat after being informed of an evening in by Vicki (who interrupted Kat and Alfie’s post nuptial ceremonies lol). But Alfie has also got other problems when Stacy rang him to help with a relative of the slaters… Zoe. Now I don’t know much about her, but some theories on social media may link her to Joel (who opened up about her past and how for me personally, I’m starting to see how he ended up getting involved in misogyny after meeting “real friends” in Australia). And Jean was mortified when I’m the newspaper Harvey and Kathy were painted to be a married couple. Even though he claims it’s for business, it made her spiral into a frenzy again. And even though Alfie can’t afford the offer he was giving her financially, the offer alone was to help calm her down. And a good talking to from Phil (with some translation from Kojo), made George realise he wants Elaine back, but she made it clear there’s no hope for them. And Cindy offering George a shoulder to cry on if he needs it is the exact reason why she did what she did. Tuesdays episode saw the follow on from Alfie seeing why Stacey needed some help, and it was none other than Zoe slater. Now I don’t know this character, I’ve learnt that there was definitely history between her and Kat. But when Stacey discovered that Zoe was lying about these “blackmailers”, Alfie had a plan where even though he wasn’t going to tell Kat, he made it clear that he will have to tell her at some point. And when she starts banging on the door, I do wonder how they’ll get out of this one. And Kat also has a lot on her mind with Tommy, as following the incident at the tube, I’m surprised how she wasn’t able to pick up the bad language he was using. And Joel just wormed his way out of the situation. Even though Vicki is wanting to help the girl in question, something that Ross said about how Joel will be on the sex offenders list if it comes out will ruin him. So Vicki bribing the girl may only lead to more trouble. And whilst also checking in on George, Phil also checks in on Linda, knowing the stress of running a pub whilst recovering from her alcohol addiction. But Kim’s idea (after doing one too many drinks lol), have her an idea of a divorce party for Elaine, who’s currently wallowing in self pity following her marriage breakdown to George. Wednesdays episode saw Kat go back to the flat to ask Stacey and Alfie what’s really going on. At first they managed to convince her and Jean of Stacey needing a hand and that she didn’t want to be a burden to her, but Zoe managed to escape, where thankfully it worked on Kat for now. But again with Tommy stuck at home, it’s only a matter of time until he gets brainwashed by Joel again after watching the video of him and the woman on the tube. And speaking of Joel, Ross and Vicki made it clear that they’ll forget what’s happened after Vicki paid off the woman. But let’s just say you don’t want to get on her bad side, as she knew she didn’t buy Joel’s sob story. I don’t think Joel will take notice though. And Elaine’s divorce party gets underway, but Phil could see that Linda is feeling the strain with no George and Tracey being off sick, and knowing she’s a recovering alcoholic too it’s not helping. But I’m glad he was there to help for abit. But the final straws for her were Elaine having a go at George (who Linda advised to stay away for now), and Elaine getting Priya tickets for a singles cruise, where she took it out of the business accounts. Oh dear… finally, Thursdays episode saw Alfie and Kat get officially married at the registration office. But Alfie is in a whole load of trouble when Stacey reveals that Zoe is in Barcelona. And with alfie having to lie to Kat saying it’s to see Spencer in Australia, it took her a whole but she managed to fall for the act. But with Tommys way to find out where he really is I wonder if he will get caught out knowing that for Kat, one more lie will mean it’ll be over for good. And speaking of Tommy, he’s once again managed to get brainwashed by Joel, and a threat from him was not ideal. And Linda is officially 6 months sober from alcohol, but Phil can see she’s struggling, and even helped her with a barrel so it takes the pressure off of her. And even though Linda convinced Elaine she’s fine after Phil gave her a grilling, I just hope she doesn’t I hope she doesn’t relapse again knowing she’s worked so hard to stay clean. 

Last One Laughing: 

This week I watched more of this brilliant game show. I won’t reveal all, but let’s just say this week involved Mr Swallow coming to visit, Judi having a fashion show with a difference and Danny Dyer making an appearance. The hat that Bob got as well also gave him an advantage, and I can’t wait to watch the rest of the series next week to see if Richard will ever be able to laugh. 

Gladiator 2:

This week I watched the second Gladiator film. It was a brilliant watch, and to finally see the scene in which I performed in class at the start of the year was incredible. But it’s safe to say that Paul Mescal was the man for the job, and you wouldn’t think he’d be Irish in real life. I’ll be doing a review of my thoughts of the film in a future blog along with other films I saw, so make sure you keep an eye out. 

Personal:

Exercise:

This week despite having to reduce my exercise on one of the days due to a flare up of my back injury (where I mention at the end of this blog on “ Challenges I Faced and How I Overcame Them” how I got through it), I got plenty of exercise in. And the timings on the bike this week was 13mins 48secs for the Monday, and 14mins 19scs for the Saturday. All in all in the hot weather, not bad if I do say so myself.

Cooking:

This week I went back to basics, and sometimes it’s the basics that are the best. In this case, I made spaghetti and oven cooker some meatballs. Simple, tasty and with all the right nutrients, especially using wholewheat pasta. It was a bit with my sister and my dad, so what’s not to like about it? 

Book: 

This week I continued my read of Miranda Hart's newest book “I Haven’t Been Entirely Honest With You”. So far I’m loving it, as seeing a vulnerable side and the challenges she had to go through with her chronic illness was refreshing to see. And she even managed to get out some of her brilliant gags, so at least all of it wasn’t a Debbie downer. I can’t wait to read the rest of the book going into the summer holidays and take away some of her tips and tricks. 

Darts:

This week I had 4 darts sessions where instead of 3 throws I did 6. And I think I’ve finally found my stance on how I hold myself after taking inspiration from “The Wizard” Simon Whitlock. As long as I keep this stance going into the summer, I’m hoping this skill will develop! And I’ve got some good scoring from it too! 

The Assembly:

The final episode of this unique interview show showed unseen questions for each celebrity. For Danny Dyer, Julice asked him what he lost during his fame and his thoughts on Andrew Tate. For David, questions included Jack asking him on his injury during a bedroom scene in “Rivals”, julice asking him about how he handles hateful comments on social media (where he gave a brilliant answer), and Joseph asking him if the suit he wore at an event actually helped him conquer his fear of moths. For Jade, questions included Markus asking her about her crush on Paul Hollywood, and asking her on her experience with Taylor Swift, where Jack mentions the song “Black Magic” being on Strictly Come Dancing. Luka also asked her about her opinion on Greggs, and Charlotte asked her about how she overcame bullies, with Charlotte herself opening up about her experience followed by another member mentioning his experience and how the bully was exposed on his birthday. And Jade did a brilliant vocal warm for everyone to join in, which I did myself. And finally, for Gary, Essin asked him a sensitive question when it comes to LGBTQ rights, and Markus asked him about spicy foods and also gave him a lovely present. The show then ended with the brilliant “Sunshine On Leith”. I do hope there is a series 2 of this, as we need interviews like this more often! 

Celebrity Gogglebox:

This week the Celebrity Goggleboxers had lots of gossip to give to each other. Stephen and Anita talked all things crisps and marathons, and Anton and Craig talked about different types of cheese, and along with Sean and Bez having to have their place cleaned up, rag n bone man and Romesh talked about cooking and who in their families is in charge. Clair asked Jason Buckley talked about his plans on his Father’s Day, and Omar and Maya discussed their differences in how they talk after talking about their Bristol roots. And joe spotted Rosin ordering a Nando’s whilst being on a diet, and Jordan was shocked to hear that Perri failed GCSE dance, but with the theory side at least. They also reacted to many different shows this week. These included “Gary Barlow’s Food and Wine Tour: Australia” whew he and Ronan Keating played the didgeridoo (which was not great), and “Countdown” with many hints that one contestant will say a rude word (but didn’t). Coronation street” saw Maria and Lou were at loggerheads and all David was worried about his coffee table, and “Clarkson’s farm” where the new opening of his pub didn’t go to plan. “Tom Kerridge's secrets of the pub kitchen” was my favourite, where he made a homemade sausage roll. Although I wouldn’t add Pickle in mine personally. “Our Yorkshire shop: a Victorian restoration” where he got an old churn fixed by Euan (and I can see why one Goggleboxer liked him) and then made homemade butter from it, and “Love Island” saw the whole lot shocked when the islanders talked all things sex and the lads night out being filmed from the villa. 

Challenges And How I Overcame Them:

Along with the hot weather (which I think everyone in the UK was feeling it too), this week some of my challenging times this week included having moments where you see something (particularly if it’s a job you really wanted but someone else gets it), and you think “why them and not me?” Which did leave me down in the dumps as seen blow.

But instead of what trolls do and bash out hateful comments online (which definitely isn’t helpful), I managed to come back to being grateful for the simplest things in my life, which include having a roof over my head and also having a income in a industry where yes is not long term (which is in retail) but compared to people who don’t have an income, I’m grateful for that. And I’m also learning in times like this to be grateful that I’m still alive and especially with my recent back injury, I’m grateful that the rest of my body is still moving. And speaking of my back, one of the other challenging moments this week included the injury flaring up again along with the tweak in my knee, therefore I had to reduce the amount of exercise I did, particularly around the upper body. But I dealt with this by simply giving 100% into what I had at that time, which I’m glad I did. And with my injury, it led to the decision to hit pause on my next short film, knowing it would take me a good few weeks to properly recover (and with your back, if you’re not careful it can do some long term damage). However, because the original plan is to make something for autism acceptance week 2026, I came up with a plan which I did last time that’s not only more flexible and will reduce overwhelm and burnout, but anyone can access from the comfort of their own home. So when there’s a negative, there’s a positive and that’s a fine example of it! 

What have I learnt this week going into the summer holidays? Be productive, but enjoy life, especially now that the weather is that little bit nicer! 

As I said, the next weekly highlights will be back after I have a break for the summer, but keep an eye out on my blog for the latest shows I’ve watched, films I saw and opportunities I took part in so far this year!

See you soon for another blog. Until next time…

This is The Autistic Actress signing off :)