Ramona Marquez interview

Outnumbered. Image shows from L to R: Karen (Ramona Marquez), Sue (Claire Skinner), Pete (Hugh Dennis), Ben (Daniel Roche), Jake (Tyger Drew-Honey). Copyright: Hat Trick Productions
Outnumbered. Karen (Ramona Marquez). Copyright: Hat Trick Productions

Ramona Marquez, who plays 11 year-old Karen, is now 12. She was just 5 years old when she first appeared in Outnumbered, with the series marking her first acting role.

What is Karen is like now?

Karen's still very used to getting her own way and she even argues with her headteacher!

Karen is coming across problems at school - what are they and how does she cope?

Karen has problems following the school rules (as I did actually)! She deals with them by writing a letter to her headteacher - I wouldn't have done that!

How different did you find making Series 5 now that you're older?

It wasn't much different. I saw a bit more of the script, that's all.

What was your favourite moment shooting for Series 5?

Maybe meeting Tommy the hamster!

Do you ever watch earlier series of Outnumbered with your friends and family?

Not really but I remember doing them so well so they just seem very familiar to me.

How has it felt to grow up in the public eye?

Well, I have nothing to compare it to so I would say good.

Do you often get recognised in the street?

I don't get recognised so much now, my hair is much darker and my fringe is too long! I guess I'll need to come up with some "sneaky tactics" once the new series is on TV.

Are the three of you as close off screen as you appear on?

We are great friends. If we do argue it's playful rather than spiteful.

Outnumbered. Image shows from L to R: Jake (Tyger Drew-Honey), Ben (Daniel Roche), Sue (Claire Skinner), Karen (Ramona Marquez), Pete (Hugh Dennis). Copyright: Hat Trick Productions

You have three older siblings in real life - how do you get on with them?

I get on with all my siblings, especially my sister. My brothers can be just as annoying as Jake and Ben though.

Do you have any pets?

I have a 'naughty tortie' kitten (a tortoiseshell), a cat and a dog. I love my animals so much, especially my kitten Pluto.

Are Pete and Sue anything like your real parents?

No, not at all. They're very different.

Would you like to have grown up in the Brockman family?

No, on the whole I don't think I would swap my real family!

If you had one piece of advice to your younger self now that you're a bit older what would it be?

Please listen to good music!

Do you want to carry on with acting?

I honestly have no idea. I would love to perform, I think, whether it's acting, singing, dancing... or maybe writing. Of course, at the moment I have dreams of being in a band like The Pretty Reckless and touring the world!

Published: Monday 27th January 2014

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