New Opportunity, The Return of The Glitterball & Developing My Self-tape Skills!

Hello world! Welcome back to another blog. This week saw a confirmation of an opportunity, the start of the iconic dance show being launched, and learning all about self tapes used in almost every audition, along with some moments of Margo just being her adorable self as seen below. So without further ado, here is what I got up to on the week commencing 15th September 2025.

Professional:

Acting Class:

This week in my acting class we delved into the world of self-tapes. This session was more specifically focused on tapes for film and tv. I learnt alot, including the recap on the basics, how to deliver one liners for day player roles and why it’s important to have readers. But I felt I learnt a lot in the session, and I can’t wait to re-record my scene along with a compilation of the one liners that fit me best to see what feedback I get. And fingers crossed they’ll be good enough to send to casting directors to show them my skills. 

Acting Jobs:

This week I continued to apply for more acting jobs. And I even got one offered for a popular shopping brand in Nottingham. Yes it may not be a big role but anything is better than nothing. I will also get some experience on set as well, even if it meant getting up at a ridiculous time in the morning. 

Other skills:

I didn’t do as much as I wanted to this week, but I continued to look at some other skills, especially ideas for the upcoming Open House event in preparation to show my acting teacher. So far I have two things I’m definitely leaning towards, but I do also have a backup just incase. But I can’t wait to develop them over the next few weeks. 

Act On This:

This week I watched an Act On This podcast with casting director Emma Stafford. This was a brilliant session, and her story as to how she helped Kate Dowd cast Better Man was so interesting. After mentioning about something in her personal life when someone in the chat asked about being open on them being neurodivergent, it’s made me want to reach out to her even more. But first I need to make sure that what I send is okay. 

I also listened to the first half of the Act On This Table Talk, where already it was going to be a good one. Petch opened up about a personal setback in his life and how he's managing it, and Ross opened up about how health wise, he's been in the best shape possible. They also talked about the equity court case and how it's impacted actors, leading to how investment into Spotlight profiles can help you as a tool for your acting career. I can't wait to listen t the rest next week!

Coronation Street: 

This week I watched the show from 8th September which was directed by Jordan Hogg. This saw Betsy celebrate her 18th birthday, with shots in the process (typical teenage antics lol ), but when Betsy's mood turned funny, she revealed about her night with Dylan and also mentioned about Becky’s last words she said. But after a traumatic incident (which I’ll mention in just a moment), the mother and daughter eventually made up, with Lisa giving her Becky’s necklace. And whilst Betsy was out, and after Roy noticed something funny on a family picture, Becky finally turns up at her house. Now that is something that Lisa is going to face head on. But it’s not the only drama on the street. Along with George having a health kick (don’t ask), Tyrone is having it tough when hope demands some new trainers (another typical teenage antic), but soon faced a devastating turn when he was hit by a car, and the worries soon turned into arguments. But Roy was right to say that the doctors have enough on their plate, and Evelyn followed suit by mentioning how arguing won’t help anything, and a game of charades seemed to have helped calm everyone down whilst waiting for the results. Carl meanwhile is still up to his sneaky antics, and Kevin still being hostile is not helping. One things for sure though, Carl and Abi can’t keep their hands off of each other, but surely the truth about him and James surely has to come out eventually. And David is also having trouble with lily. First her being sick (which Audrey witnessing it herself when David didn’t believe him), then having to be picked up from school due to a fight she had, and then scanning her bag after finding a pregnancy test which Sarah could suggest it may be hers. It then led into a heated debate on when Sarah had Bethany at Lily's age, and I don’t even blame lily for being mad at David for going through her stuff. But I can only imagine the shock on his face when Shona revealed that it’s actually his. I also watched the show from 12th, also directed by Jordan Hogg. Following Becky’s return from the dead, and Roy voicing his concerns to Carla, Lisa is in all sorts of emotions. I won’t give away all of what’s happened throughout the episode, but let’s just say it involves a few things. A place called teddy bear woods, where Lisa has been all this time and who Tia Wardley really is. But a talk between the two former lovers soon made it clear that Lisa is done with her. But that’s not the only drama. There was also an update on Tyrone following the hit and run, and fox reassured hope it wasn’t her fault after Tyrone mentioned he was out getting Hope the new trainers she’s been wanting. Brody and Dylan may be in hot water, as George had got suspicions, and Dylan ended up getting arrested in the process. And Abi finding out about Carl's dealings also broke a barrier between their relationship. But I do hope there’s more good news on the way, as Sarah managed to find out that Shona was the one who’s pregnant, pleasing everyone in the process. 

Hollyoaks:

This week saw secrets being revealed, old faces returning and dangerous threats. Mondays episode saw Ste and Sienna still trapped at the hands of Jeremy. And after his initial shock when finding out about dilly killing Ethan and helping Jez with dilly’s body, Ste is on board in helping him and sienna escape, but I wonder how far that will go when she sees that the family accept that she’s dead? And whilst looking for Ste, I don’t know hoe long Lucas’ cover story will last and Leela and Dillon ask about the bruises on his arm. Donny's also feeling the strain after Misbah is suspicious of who he’s been cheating on. Despite Froggy giving him a backstory, Donny still decided to tell Misbah everything. But I do hope there’s some happiness when peri visits Tom in prison, chatting about old times. Tuesdays episode saw the follow on of Donny admitting to Misbah what he did, and some taunts from Clare confirmed it for Vicky too. And after opening up about what Donny is going through, with Vicky saying herself that he’s not right, I don’t even know what will happen following on from that. But froggy (who had a tough word with Clare), managed to manipulate Donny into doing the unthinkable in order to protect his family. Tom also managed to help tony find his feet in prison, more specifically in the kitchen. But it looks like he’s got a rough journey ahead of him when Tom reveals he’ll be leaving soon. And Ste managed a to encourage sienna to not give up, knowing that what she did to Ethan was an accident. And with Donny’s discovery on the front door camera, Jeremy managed to twist things to make sienna number one enemy. Finally, Wednesdays episode saw Tom adamant that Tony will be fine, but it was far from it, as his demotion to dishwasher cleaner was the start of it. You would think that Joel would help tony, but far from it, as let’s just say he turned to the dark side when Tony refused to change his plea. Donny is also on edge following Froggy's threat, but something tells me it won’t be the last between the two enemies. Tom meanwhile is settling back into civilisation, as not only will something may blossom with Peri, but Darren and Nancy were also pleased to see him. But something he said forced Nancy to tell the truth about Morgan’s paternity, which I’m sure will leave a devastating impact on Darren. And Sienna and Ste are still trapped, with Cleo still furious about the whole thing, little knowing where she actually is. And Marie wanting to help out with the baby and also giving hints of her raising it as her own did it help. But I do wonder what Sienna is going to do after making it clear to Jez she’ll “sort it?”

Eastenders:

This week saw dangerous times, scary moments & revelations. Mondays episode saw Zoe getting discharged from the hospital. Already there’s drama unfolding, with Vicky not on her tail (and I’m guessing there’s been something going on which Zoe did before I started watching the show regularly) and with Freddie revealing about the newspaper article, it’s safe to say that Zoe is in more trouble. Howie is also going big when it comes to impressing Kim, and Callum is adamant that he’s making the right choice when it comes to Callum. But with Ben set to make a short return, things are about to get complicated. And George was understandably concerned about Kojo, but junior and Phil were adamant that he needed some space, asking if there was a more personal reason behind it all. But Ravi's plan to “get rid” of George may make the situation a whole lot messier. Tuesdays episode saw Zoe settling into life at the square. But a conversation with Kat soon quickly turned when’s he decided to leave. But Stacy was adamant for her to open up about what’s going on, where she revealed that a man named Greg (who maybe was the PI in the flashback) who wanted her gone, and even asked Jack for help. But Jack had his own problems, selling the house and to keep his name out of revealing that he’s the one who shot Zoe. And I just feel for poor Kojo, who after being persuaded by Harry to get George to go on a boxing tour, Kojo was left with the job of doing a drug delivery, with Harry not being pleased when he got separated form okie. And Vicki is also having her own worries, as even though Ross is working the shifts needed to pay Sharon’s debt, she still can’t tame him from then believes drake Zagan is putting in his head. Wednesdays episode saw Stacey take Zoe to confront Greg. But it only got worse when Stacey took matters into her own hands, and the aftermath of it was only growing, as Zoe refused to tell who the person she was seeing is, little knowing that it’s someone who was a bad influence on the street. And Kat may be in more danger as well, but I hope with Stacey originally going to tell Kat what’s really going on (as they were keeping it a secret from her), I wonder how they’ll work their way around it. Harry is also concerned about Kojo and confided in Nicola on what’s going on. Kojo is obviously upset at Harry for what happened, but somehow he’s been brainwashed by Okie once again, and I do hope that Kojo doesn’t get into any more danger, knowing how vulnerable he already is. Lauren is also running against the clock, with being back at work and Louie’s present not getting delivered on time, and some off hand comments from Ian didn’t help, and peter reassured her he’ll do everything he can to make it all work. But I’m not so sure if Cindy's offer to help out is genuine or the fact that she’s trying to cause trouble. I guess I’ll have to wait and see on that one. And Vicki is also fuming after finding out Joel took her credit card to meet drake Zagan, and somehow Kathy accompanied her to get Joel to see it’s not right. But Kathy’s suggestion to get some help whilst Ross is working took her to the form of Julie. Let’s hope that a new face might do the trick. Finally Thursdays episode saw the follow on from Greg holding Kat at gunpoint, where after demanding money, the truth of Zoe’s baby came out. Jack was also having his own concerns when he told Denise he was going to tell the truth. But she reminded him of the implications of doing so, leading to a heartfelt discussion on why she picked jack over Ravi. And speaking of Ravi, he managed to convince him to stop jack from doing the unthinkable, but Tommy arrived in time to help the slaters (where he told a little white lie to Joel about how he handled it), and after zoe opened up on why she hadn’t said anything about her missing baby, Kat promised her that she’ll help him every step of the way. And as for Joel, I would’ve thought that Julie’s words would’ve helped, but clearly it hasn’t. 

King and Conquer:

This week I started this latest series based on the battle of Hastings. The first episode only just got me into it, and I’m still trying to work what’s going on. But I do have a slight idea. And that it’s set a few years before the battle itself, and that William of Normandy’s cousin Edward is to be crowned king and bring leave to England. I also have another incline for Harold Goodwin of Wessex, who tries to prove to his father that he is capable of himself, and his trouble making brother Sweyn and the fact that Godwin doesn’t believe Harold’s theories is two of those obstacles standing in his way. But it was until the coronation where Harold’s husband Edith found out the truth from his sister Gunhild on Edwards and lady Emma’s real plan. Episode 2 “Sins of a father” saw Harold being open to asking what his father needs, and when he rebuffs him, his mother states to Godwin that Harold asked for a reason, showing how determined he is to settle the score. Harold also reassured Edith the safety of his family, with her hiding another secret which is that she’s with child. Although Harold’s mother told her to keep it a secret for now knowing the job they have to do. And it didn’t look good when the king demand that either Godwin is to be exiled or his whole family will be killed, which earl of Mercia Morcar was not happy about. And I can understand Harold’s anger when he decides to accept his own exile, but not before lady Emma giving him an offer. This then led to Godwin deciding to head to Flanders’s, which Sweyn didn’t agree with, but after Gunhild mentioning how Godwin was the one who killed Lady Emma’s other son Aethel, she can do her part to gain inside information on the kings next move. But their escape only left Edith getting caught, and when Morcar's sister queries about her, she made sure she is kept safe whilst not letting her go, discovering her pregnancy. And whilst having some family tempers, Godwin put things at ease by stating that Harold was right and apologised for not believing him, Harold had a tough decision to make when he found out of Edith’s capture. Over in Normandy, king Henry is determined to kill William, and the birth of William’s child only sparked more concern after it’s revealed to be a boy. And when he and Matilda arrive in Flanders’s to meet Matilda’s father Baldwin, William detected that Baldwin has no remorse on what has occurred, adamant he knew nothing of Henry’s actions. But one things for sure, is that he encouraged William to protect his son at all costs. This then led to William asking his right hand man Fitz to find a family to protect him, but then decided to keep him following the fact that giving him away is not the best idea, finally calling the baby Robert. And finally episode 3 “Brothers”, saw Harold determined to go back for Edith, work Sweyn volunteering to go with him. But not before he questioned Harold on if she is actually alive or not. And whilst Tostig asks Baldwin for the boat as part of their quest, he meets Baldwin's niece Judith, who explains on why he never considered marriage. But their meeting may have changed things into perspective, with Judith mentioning of the many suitors she’s had. King Henry also gave a reason as to why he killed Williams father, and it was a good job Fitz was there to avoid William from doing something stupid. Before they set sail to rescue Edith, Godwin's offer to let Sweyn take charge and Harold lead the raid is not something swain settles well with. And Matilda, whilst chatting to Judith on picking the correct suitor, was intrigued to hear that Baldwin chose the suitors that were linked to Henry, who then reports it back to William, sparking his plan to kill Henry grow. And whilst having separate baths, Harold begged William to help, but it led to a deep chat on who would they be if they didn’t have the people they didn’t trust around them. Harold bring an earl, and William being free. It’s a shame it had to end in a fight with both William and Harold in the nude. And whilst Judith’s and Tostig's connection (where Baldwin and Godwin decide to let them grow naturally before putting the marriage offer on them), much to her delight, Harold and Sweyn started their journey back to Wessex. Although Harold is more wiser than swain when they see a mass of dead bodies, with Harold revealing a vital piece of information on why they can’t touch them. And Gunhild is definitely a Godwin when she stands up to lady Emma, who then brainwashed Edward. During the rescue, Sweyn breaking the rules only made things worse, but thankfully Harold managed to make Morcar a deal to free Edith and also free him of lady Emma. This then led to Harold suggesting to bring the earls together instead of Sweyn's suggestion of going back to Flanders. And Harold did a good job as he offered the earl of Northumbria a deal until his grandchild is go age, and after he reported this back to his father, Godwin’s suggestion then doesn’t go down well with Sweyn again, but none there less, he decided to make Harold earl of Wessex and Sweyn earl of Northumbria. And meanwhile, Williams is planning on double crossing Henry and managed to get the barons on his side as well. 

Hostage: 

This week I started a new series starting Surrane Jones which my dad in particular enjoyed. And episode 1 was off to a flying start. We saw Abigail Dalton get elected and selected for the new prime minister with the support of her husband Alex. 8 months later she fitted into her role very nicely when she discussed matters linking to the NHS. She also met French president Vivienne Toussaint, apologising for a comment she made in public without realising. But there was more drama yet to come, as after mentioning to her daughter Sylvie to be careful after her getting drunk in public, Abigail was distraught to her about her husbands kidnapping in French Guiana, with Dalton's Chief of Staff Kofi Adomako having to break the news to her. And on her way to Abigail, I noticed that Toussaint's stepson Matheo was part of the protests which obviously was not a best look, but there’s an even shocking secret between the two (which I’ll mention later). After a video from Alex from the place of kidnapping, Toussaint over exaggerated her way to help Dalton. Not only is she got that to deal with, but to also not tell her dad/Sylvie's grandad on what’s going on. During a big event, an exchange between Toussaint, Matheo and his girlfriend Saskia was somewhere awkward, with Matheo encouraging Toussaint that she’s better than what he saw. After learning of Toussaint's hobby of poker, Dalton was informed by Kofi that they found the doctors, including Alex. And sheiks Alex reassured them that they’ll be fine, a threat from Toussaint (which revealed a saucy secret between her and Matheo which I was not expecting), resulted in the mission being aborted, and telling Dalton to resign as president. Following the half, episode 2 saw Toussaint avoiding Dalton's calls, which resulted in Dalton visiting general Livingston to query the situation, which he sadly could do. Matheo criticised Toussaint about the halt, knowing Dalton’s husband is out there, and MI6 spy Tom mercer salt got caught whilst trying to reduce Alex and the team (but later on they treated him). During the next suggestion, Dalton was up to her neck in it, with Kofi threatening to leave, and Sylvie making it clear she’ll never forgive her mum if anything happens. When Saskia realised she was being followed, Matheo had no wait to reveal the truth between him and Toussaint when flashbacks started to come. Thankfully he got rid of the video in time, but not before making it clear he wanted nothing to do with her, and Sylvie finally managed to tell the truth to her grandad about Alex, and after finally getting through to Dalton, Toussaint is there to see the latest video update, which resulted in one of the doctors getting shot, Traumatising Sylvie. Toussaint then revealed the real reason as to why the mission was aborted, but not actually reveal the extent of the video, and still refusing to help Dalton, knowing it’ll affect her election campaign. And after a visit from a reporter known as Mr Kingsley (who was seen at an earlier event with Dalton and Toussaint), Dalton felt like she had no choice but to resign. However, during her livestream, she made it very clear that it would not be the case, and after finding out that Toussaint's chief of staff Adrienne Pelletier, is linked to the kidnappers, it’ll be interesting to see where the next step in the mission goes! 

The Rumour:

This week I started another new show called “The Rumour” following a brilliant Act On This podcast with the lead Rachel Shenton a few weeks ago. After seeing Joanna settle into her new job, it quickly became the talk of the town when she mentioned of a woman called “Sally McGowan on an online forum at her new workplace. This then led to her falling into a new friendship group in the form of mums u closing Fatima, Debbie and Anita. She then witnessed a clip of one of the other guardians, only to see a clip of the story. And after meeting the woman she nearly ran over at a place called “Stoned and Crones”, the mums then started talking about Joanna’s rumour and the possible theories. This doesn’t impress her mum, who’s warned her about not getting herself into too much gossip, especially with Alfie’s first few days at school not going great. A session at the book club as well still saw the mums talk about Sonia Martin (the owner of the shop) being sally McGowan, work joanna showing the tatto she wore, with one mum revealing a morbid meaning behind it. Never the less, she managed to get reassurance from Stephen (her boss and Debbie’s husband), about Alice’s situation, but I can only imagine Debbie’s unease when she sees the two of them together. And whilst researching about sally, her ex Michael soon gave her a scare, and the truth about why they’d split came to light. But she was swayed to let Alfie come with Michael whilst she meets Seth (but I wonder who he is?), but after Alfie revealed about a photo being taken, Sonia’s shop being Brocken into and there’s spray paint on her house, Joanna is about to go on a ride! Episode 2 saw a reporter asking Joanna about sally, all while thinking about what Michael said about slides trip to the post office. But Bea managed to give her some advice on the situation. It made things worse when Alfie was missing for a brief moment, only for Michael to have him, speaking Joanna’s fight to keep him. I also don’t think that the police helped her at this point even though they said they would help, which I think is a sign for her to tone it down, with Bea saying the same thing. Debbie however mentioned another clue but her husband Stephen telling Joanna to be quiet about the graffiti, which is fair enough as it’s down to business. But during her latest house viewing, more clues about sally came to light, and back at home, whilst doing some more research, we got to see Joanna telling Alfie about not seeing his grandad after he nearly knocks a lit candle. Michael also needed answers on why he left, but I think he maybe needed to be careful with his choice of word when a slip of the tongue offends Bea. And Joanna’s honest feelings about Liz’s painting helped when she saw a picture with Alfie, but bless her everyone thought she was going insane. But at least Rachel could see that she wasn’t going crazy, also getting to know her during a visit to an old house. Michael also revealed that the reason why Alfie had his photo taken was for a surprise holiday, and after attempting to apologise, it seems that he and Joanna are back on good terms. For Alfie’s sake at least. But she may need to rely on him more than ever when she ends up in the local paper and Sonia not being happy about it. And during a trick or treating evening (where she nearly lost alfie again but was at one of the mums house, and also Rachel revealing about Stephens past affairs which spark concerns for Debbie), I can only imagine Alice’s face when she finds Sonia not breathing…

Personal:

Exercise: 

This week as always I managed to keep on top of my exercise. This includes my usual gym sessions three times a week, my yoga and my two exercise bike rides. The timings this week where I got to the 10k mark included 12mins 42secs on the Monday, and 12mins 46secs on the Saturday. I feel like that when I'm feeling down, I feel more powerful, which maybe that's the reason why I'm getting these god times in, as I'm focusing on something else. So it just goes to show how the power of exercise can have a real positive impact.

Survey:

This week I did a fair amount of surveys. I would say I definitely did a good solid 10% if surveys this week, which is quite low still but compared to 2% I’m quite pleased with myself. I even managed to clear out some old emails of notifications on surveys, which was definitely needed to help clear not only technological space, but my own mental headspace too! 

Meal:

As always, I continued to make delicious meals to help with my independency. This time I made a chick parmigiana, where despite it taking longer, it was a success. And my dad and sister liked it, which was the main thing. 

Darts:

This week I managed to get two practices in. Yes it wasn't a lot, but as I managed to get some good scoring on doubles and trebles as seen below. But at least I did some of it rather than none at all, so at least I'm proud of myself for that.

Strictly Come Dancing:

This week the iconic dancing competition came back, and you know its the end of summer, when the return of the show comes. So far, I'm loving it. Ellie, Dani and Vicky so far are my favourites, and I can relate to Vicky on not eating much when I'm nervous, having bad posture and needing a nervous wee. New dancers Alexis and Julian also made their mark, with Julian having a weird superstition for every performance he's done which was strange but I found it rather entertaining. I can't wait to watch the rest of the launch show in prep for the first proper episode next week!

Gogglebox:

This week, the telly critics shenanigans included Ellie wondering why Izzi did her makeup on the sofa, and Daniella showing Danielle her new pyjamas. It also featured Jenny showing Lee her facial exercises (which I feel like I need to take on board), and Andrew and Alfie looking at other couples on social media. There was also Georgia asking Abi about her parents being away and what she had (which is literally the resemblance of me if I had no food in the cupboard), and Sara telling Lara about a new wig. Then Pete told Sophie about the story on his wife and her hearing things in the night, and Chée showed Sarah and Andre her new tattoo. The shows they watched as well also had me feel like I was watching it with them. “Dish It Out” saw Tilly Ramsay cooking croque monsieur with her dad Gordon (although I felt like he did more of the cooking than her), and “Unknown Number: The Highschool Catfished” saw Lauryn's true horrific story, with the culprit being someone who you’d least expected. “Long Lost Family” reuniting two brothers after being separated on a train years ago, and “Street Cops: Catching The Yobs”, saw PC Alex and his team catching a repeat offender only to find nothing on him. The ITV news showed a story leaking to Epstein revealing some shocking information in the process, and “The Yorkshire Vet” saw a dog having to have surgery after being abit naughty (which I think was the episode my Nan mentioned before). Finally, “The Inheritance” seeing drama with a flashback to prove that whoever made the statement was a lie, and the ITV news showing protests in London.

Challenging Times and How I Got Through Them:

This week I wouldn’t necessarily say I had “challenging times” as the hard part of the end of summer/start of autumn has faded. But two things that I struggled with were balancing my budget, but thank god I have savings if need be, and finding an alternative way to get to the train station on the day of my shoot next week, as my usual taxi company didn’t have the time I needed (which is respected as I know they can't do everything). However, with most people using Uber, that will be my last resort, as not only is it reliable (coming from my dad and his friend’s experience), the last thing I want is to get anyone up that early to take me to the station. 

What have I learnt this week? Hard choices equal an easy life. Whatever that means to anyone reading this.

See you soon for another blog. Until next time…

This is The Autistic Actress signing off :)