There are two things that you notice when you meet actress Jodie Comer; first that she is exceedingly pretty with delicate doll-like features and second that she is from Liverpool with a soft accent and down-to-earth nature. Jodie is best known for her role as Chloe in My Mad Fat Diary before she starred as the mistress in BBC’s Doctor Foster, a juggernaut of a drama series, which was so well received that 8 million people tuned into the final climactic episode. Now Jodie’s the lead in a brand new BBC3 series called Thirteen which debuted online on Sunday and went straight to the top of the download list. Jodie plays Ivy Moxam, who after 13 years held captive by her kidnapper, returns home and so begins a complex plot of reintegrating with her family and searching for her kidnapper. Our shoot takes place in a cool underground bar in central London, a million miles away from the intensity of Thirteen. Cahoots in Soho is in Kingly Court sitting between the dazzling shopping zone of Regent Street and quirky boutique streets of Carnaby Street with a sign saying ‘To The Trains’ pointing you to the entrance. Inside you’ll find a London underground theme including signs for the Bakerloo line, scarily accurate carriages and cosy booths but the difference is they have a gigantic cocktail menu which you definitely don’t find on the tube. Let’s meet rising star Jodie Comer.
Jodie wear IDA Ramona Culotte Pinafore, Maison Labiche Tee
DONNA IDA: Where are you from and where did you grow up?
I am originally from Liverpool, I still live there now and have done all my life. I have no plans to move just yet. Liverpool will always be home to me, I love it too much to leave!
DONNA IDA: How did you get started in the acting world?
I started acting at a local drama school, as well as in secondary school. My drama teacher sent me to audition for a radio play, and I got the part. Whilst working on the radio play the other actors advised me to get an agent.
DONNA IDA: What was your big break?
My Mad Fat Diary on E4 was probably my big break, but Thirteen has been my most challenging role to date.
DONNA IDA: Doctor Foster was such a talking point last year, could you tell it was going to be a big hit when you saw the script?
I had a feeling it would be, but you can never be certain. Mike Bartlett wrote five amazing scripts, so we went into filming with the confidence knowing that, but I don’t think any of us could have expected the enormity of its success. It received such praise, it was a lovely surprise.
Jodie in Doctor Foster
DONNA IDA: What are you filming next?
At the moment that has to remain a secret, I'll get told off if I spill the beans! After that, Doctor Foster, series 2!
DONNA IDA: How important are costumes when creating a character?
Extremely! They completely shape your character. Costumes can change everything right down to the way you walk. I loved the costumes on My Mad Fat Diary. I used to go onto the costume bus every day and look for the craziest stuff for Chloe to wear. The more different the costume is from what I would usually wear the better.
DONNA IDA: What are your wardrobe essentials and how do you wear your jeans?
I recently bought a pair of dungarees by Alexa Chung for AG and I haven’t taken them off since. I mostly wear skinny jeans with a plain t-shirt or blouse. I wear them with a pair of pointed black ankle boots. I also love a skinny black neck scarf, you can throw that on with most outfits and it just adds an extra touch.
DONNA IDA: Why do you think jeans are such an iconic item?
I think once you find the perfect pair of jeans, you're ready to conquer the world! A good fitting pair of jeans can give you great confidence. I have a pair that I’ve had so long they are fraying near the zip and I am in denial about having to throw them away!
DONNA IDA: Who is your denim icon?
I would have to say Alexa Chung, she nails it every time.
DONNA IDA: Where in the world are girls best dressed? What kind of style do you admire?
Parisian girls, definitely. Everything they do is so effortless, or at least seems it! You never want to look like you've made too much of an effort, ideally it would look like you rolled out of bed looking that way, I think that’s always attractive.
Jodie wears IDA Margot Culottes, Wildfox jumper
DONNA IDA: Describe your style highs and lows?
When I was 16 I used to buy a lot of vintage dresses. Not that vintage dresses are bad, but the ones I used to buy just weren’t flattering on my body, they were always too long and two sizes too big. Imagine Dot Cotton from Eastenders, yes I know! Now I’m that bit older I know what looks good on my figure and what doesn’t.
DONNA IDA: What’s your favourite restaurant?
At home in Liverpool there’s a little treasure called MARAY which serves small plates and cocktails. If you love gin and good food and happen to be in Liverpool, don’t miss out!
DONNA IDA: Where’s your ultimate holiday destination?
I would really love to go to the Maldives. Ideally a deserted beach in the middle of nowhere with a really good book, and a cocktail of course.
Jodie wears Current/Elliott dress
DONNA IDA: What is your favourite fashion magazine?
InStyle is my favourite fashion magazine. Although I tend to mix it up a lot depending on what they are covering or who they are interviewing in the issue.
DONNA IDA: What advice would you give to a younger you?
I would say keep doing what you're doing and trust your instinct!
DONNA IDA: What’s next?
Hopefully a lot of exciting work, and that trip to the Maldives (a girl can dream)!
Photography by Kate Gorbunova for DONNA IDA. With thanks to Jodie Comer and Prosper PR, Cahoots and KK Communications, make-up by Suzanne Smith, hair by Ronnie Woodward, shoes by Christian Louboutin.
Watch Thirteen