Nikki Sanderson

Since leaving the show, she’s forged a career as a television presenter and lads’ mag staple.

She appears in The Vagina Monologues at Theatre Royal Brighton on Monday, September 20. Call 08448 717650 for tickets.

Is there a performer who made you think “I want to do that?”

I wanted to be an actress from a very young age and began lessons when I was about seven years old. As I was a little girl, I don't recall seeing a performer who influenced my decision – I think it was something I really wanted to do at the time and never looked back.

Do you remember the first record you bought – what was it, and where did you buy it?

I'm not really sure what the first record I bought was, I think it was a Boyzone single. My mum had obviously bought me tapes and CDs in the past but I think the Boyzone track was the first I had bought with my own money.

Tell us about any guilty pleasures lurking in your CD or film collections – something you know is a bit naff but you can't help yourself.

I used to collect Disney films so my collection is made up mainly of those and any films I used to watch as a child such as The Princess Bride or The Dark Crystal.

What’s your favourite film? And why?

I love kids’ films but I think my favourite film has to be The Green Mile. I love it. I remember the first time I watched it, I cried almost the whole way through. It’s such an amazing film, and I think Tom Hanks is a very talented actor.

Is there a TV programme you couldn’t live without?

I tend to watch something for a couple of weeks then move on to something new.

Do you have a favourite album? And is there a song or individual piece of music you always come back to?

I don't have a favourite album, as I listen to many different things on my iPod. I don't really have a favourite song either, but I remember when I was a little girl I used to love I Believe I Can Fly by R Kelly. I used to listen to it on repeat!

What are you reading at the moment?

I've just started to read The Host by Stephenie Meyer as I read the Twilight Saga and really enjoyed it.

I love reading.

Is there a live music or theatre experience that stays in your memory?

I have seen some fabulous theatre and music productions over the years but just recently I went to see Corrie by Jonathan Harvey in Manchester [a play based on Coronation Street – Harvey was a writer on the show for years] and it was brilliant. I laughed the whole way through and really enjoyed the evening.

This isn’t your first time in The Vagina Monologues – what is it about the show that brings you back to it?

I love everything about The Vagina Monologues and am very grateful that I keep getting asked to perform in it. The show is brilliant and as an actress it great to be able to play a range of different characters. Every time I have performed with them, the cast, crew and production have been wonderful to work with.

And am I right in thinking you go through a range of different accents in the show?

Yes, I do play each character with a different accent, as I think it makes it more challenging as an actress and it separates each monologue as they are different people’s stories we are portraying.

You’ve had some great jobs in TV – is there a particular role or maybe a kind of show or TV programme you’d love to do but haven’t had the chance yet?

I have been very lucky in my career and had the opportunity to play some wonderful characters which I am grateful for. In the future I’d love to play a character in a period drama.

Have you ruled out any more lads’ mag appearances?

I haven't done a photoshoot for a lads’ mag in about five or six years. I would never rule it out for the future, but I am not planning to do any at the moment.