Naomi Battrick plays musical genius and obsessive-compulsive Toyah.

“This is my first big television part,” reveals Naomi Battrick, 18.

“It was ridiculous how talented she is – she’s a Grade A in absolutely everything. I actually can’t play any instruments. I used to play the piano and recorder when I was little but when I became a teenager I thought it was uncool so stopped!”

So what does Naomi think of Toyah?

“She’s a 15-year-old with OCD [obsessive-compulsive disorder], a perfectionist and a musician. I think her OCD was probably because her mother died when she was very young and it’s her way of having control over that situation,” explains Naomi.

“She’s very controlled and quite geeky. She’s new to boys and she has no idea what to do when handling crushes.”

Is there anything of Naomi in Toyah?

“Well, I think everyone has a little OCD inside them. I related with that. Also her family life is quite weird – she’s from two different families which, in some ways, is what my life is like. My mum re-married and had two more children, so I was able to relate to that.”

Naomi had to totally transform herself by dyeing her blonde hair red for the part.

“When I got the part I went for a costume and wardrobe test and they told me they had a couple of ideas to dye my hair. They put an auburn wig on me and I quite liked it so we went for it,” reveals Naomi.

“I thought it looked good and it was quite nice to know that if I ever did want to dye my hair when I’m older, it won’t look like I’m wearing a wig. I got used to it after a month and everyone started saying to me, ‘Gosh, I couldn’t imagine you blonde!’”

What’s been Naomi’s favourite storyline?

“It has to be the food fight!” laughs Naomi.

“Gary and Sholondra go away and trust us, stupidly, to be alone at the house. Aretha flicks a pickle into Toyah’s face during an argument – she goes ballistic and we end up having a humungous food fight in the kitchen. It’s so funny.”