Just Tattoo Of Us

Lisa Riley on her joy at playing a tattooist and having Sue Johnston as a screen mum…

- Sarah Selwood

Covered in body art with thick kohl-rimmed eyes and sporting a slick of plum-coloured

lipstick, Lisa Riley looks almost unrecognisable when we meet in Manchester on the set of her latest drama, BBC1’s glossy family saga Age Before Beauty.

‘I can’t stand vain actors. If you’re going to play someone, then you’ve got to play it to the fullest!’ she smiles, as we chat about her character, tomboy tattooist Tina Regan, one of four sisters who all work at the struggling family business, MirrorBel Beauty Salon, at the heart of the story.

Down to earth, funny and warm, Lisa’s always a pleasure to interview, but today, 13 July, she’s on particularly top form as it’s her birthday and her cast mates have been spoiling her. ‘We’ve become so close,’ she says.

During a break in filming, Lisa tells TV Times why this job is a joy…

How would you describe Tina?