Hollyoaks - Phoebe McQueen (played by Mandip Gill)

Fiercely independent, proud and cocksure, Phoebe may only be fifteen, but she’s got an old head on her shoulders. Living away from the family home with only her beloved dog Thunder for company, she had to grow up pretty quickly.

It was on the streets of Chester that Phoebe came across a friendly young soul called George, who had been kicked out of his home after his parents discovered he was gay. She quickly realised that his cheery little face could be handy to have around when begging.

The pair went through kidnap and abuse and Phoebe was forced into committing crimes under duress of evil frenemy Deena (she even killed Phoebe's dog! I KNOW, RIGHT?)

After she got free, Phoebs returned to the Village a few weeks later, and embarked on a one-girl crime wave, stealing from Price Slice, mugging Barney and even dognapping Terry! It was the latter crime that unsurprisingly enraged the fearsome force that is Jacqui McQueen. Error! Jacqui then made it her mission to teach Phoebe the error of her ways and developed a soft spot for the teenage tearaway.

Some serious bonding has gone down and Phoebe is officially a member of the McQueens! (Party hats are acceptable, cake is actively encouraged.) We love when our favourite family expands, and our Phoebe has finally settled into a home.

We caught up with Mandip to find out a little more...

Sum up your character in five words:

Fierce tomboy with a big heart. That’s six words and I refuse to take one off!

On a scale of one to ten, how similar to your character are you?

4. We look like each other and are both streetwise but that’s about as far as the similarities go. Phoebe isn't afraid to say what she thinks whereas I don't like hurting people's feeling so keep quiet.

Funniest moment on set:

Whenever I work with Steven Roberts (George) there’s sure to be some amusement; he falls over everything in sight!

Pet hate:

Middle lane hoggers!

Biggest achievement:

In life? Wanting to become a working actor and achieving it.

Ideal man/woman:

Oh that is a secret. Qualities I find attractive are kindness and a great sense of humour. It would be a bonus if they're talented.

Favourite film:

The Holiday... its so cute and I watch it every Christmas.