Sarah OMeara talks to Roxanne McKee of Hollyoaks about winning her second Sexiest Female title at the British Soap Awards while stuck in a prison cell

ROXANNE McKee is just off for a facial. Hardly shocking news (you might think) from the Hollyoaks star recently voted Sexiest Female at the British Soap Awards for the second year running. But according to McKee, who plays Louise Summers C a character currently languishing in jail for the suspected murder of ex-lover Sean C this is far from normal behaviour.

The only reason Im having a facial is because Ive got a day off and I have to go to Ireland tonight to compere a fashion evening. My routine hasnt been the best recently so I want to look glowing rather than dull.

According to McKee, despite what viewers might assume, the Hollyoaks girls dont spend their lives exfoliating and fake tanning.

We dont spend our time making ourselves look great. None of the girls take care of themselves. I think people have this image that the show is full of beautiful people, when in reality its full of normal actors and actresses who are under a lot of lights, wearing lots of make up. Also were all in our 20s so although it might appear that were attractive, thats just youth.

Since arriving on the arm of Darren three years ago, McKees character hasnt had it easy. Her attempts to escape a shady past have largely failed and shes now in jail for the murder of ex-husband Sean, with whom she ran a dodgy timeshare business in Ibiza.

But the 25-year-old says there is a silver lining to her characters dramatic life. Im one of the luckier ones, I dont have to look nice on screen. My characters always depressed, crying or shouting at somebody. She has black eyshadow under her eyes all the time to make her look tired.

McKee says she has no problem sacrificing her looks in order to play the gritty reality of Louises life.

I never use fake tears. If youre crying in real life, snot comes out of your nose and you look ugly. You might not look your best but it does look more realistic.

Since joining the cast, McKee has had a series of traumatic storylines, including having an abortion, and she says that most days at work are an emotional rollercoaster.

I know it sounds silly, but you do begin to almost believe its real, she says. Most people wouldnt normally cry for eight hours a day, but when youre filming you do. And you end up going home with a headache and a bad temper.

Thankfully after three years of playing the victim, McKees character Louise is now ready to fight back. This week we see the sexy beautician playing dirty in order to get what she wants.

Unlike her character, McKee has been rather more lucky in life. After finishing a politics degree in 2005, she attended open auditions for Hollyoaks: On The Pull, and landed a job.

I always wanted to act. I did drama at A-level and plays at university. The politics degree was something to fall back on. And although my life isnt completely uncomplicated, its certainly calmer than Louises. To switch off from the show, Ill go home and cook a nice dinner or maybe go out clubbing with the girls.

Having been voted the Sexiest Female at the British Soap Awards two years in a row, McKee is aware that men find her attractive.

I know my own weaknesses and so never expected to win an award like this.

But its so lovely and flattering that people are taking their time out to vote for me. I wake up in the morning with my hair all over my face thinking, Ugh.

Quick, get the bronzer.

Like any female, I certainly dont feel sexy the whole time. I think sexiness is a state of mind. I do read articles in which pretty women moan about their looks, but I dont think anyone should complain about getting attention if theyre attractive. At the end of the day just be happy with what youve got.

In Hollyoaks, McKee has spent the last few weeks in jail, and will be freed later this week. So how has she found life in the clink?

I really enjoyed doing the storyline about prison. The episode when I found out about Seans murder was really good fun to film and quite emotive. I also liked doing the abortion storyline. I got quite a lot of letters after that. Its nice to know that people have watched it and got something from it.

ö Louise is freed from prison in Hollyoaks next Friday at 6.30pm

11:00am Thursday 15th May 2008

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