Simone Ashley: Single era, working on inner confidence and first album plans | Woman's Hour

Summary

In this interview, the actress reflects on her life-changing experience with *Bridgerton*, sharing how the show opened doors for her and helped boost representation for women who look like her. She discusses the challenges of fame, including the pressure of being constantly recognized, but highlights the importance of staying grounded with support from loved ones. Now, in a new chapter of her life, she's focused on her work and personal growth. She also reveals her music aspirations, working on her debut pop album with producer Fraser T Smith, embracing more creative control and personal storytelling through music.

Takeaways

• 😀 The actor reflects on how her life changed dramatically after the success of 'Bridgerton', cherishing the positive impact the show had on her career.
• 😀 'Bridgerton' opened many doors for her and is helping to create more opportunities for women who look like her in the industry.
• 😀 Despite the success, she emphasizes the importance of staying focused on her craft and work, and not getting distracted by fame.
• 😀 The actor shares that her personal life turned upside down during the 'Bridgerton' era but is now entering a new chapter focused on self-improvement and work.
• 😀 She humorously mentions that entering her 'single era' in 2025 has led her to focus on herself, building inner confidence, and enjoying her work more.
• 😀 The actor is transitioning into music, working with producer Fraser T Smith on her first album after nearly a year of collaboration.
• 😀 She is excited and proud of the music she's creating, marking a new phase in her creative journey beyond acting.
• 😀 The music she’s making is pop, and it provides her with more creative control compared to her acting work, which involves a more collaborative process.
• 😀 Music, for her, is deeply personal and a new way to channel her art, offering a different experience from the collaborative nature of acting.
• 😀 While acting involves being directed and collaborating with a larger crew, music allows her to tell stories in a more self-directed and intimate way.

Q & A

How did the show 'Bridgerton' impact the interviewee's life and career?

The interviewee shared that 'Bridgerton' significantly changed her life, opening many doors for her career. It helped her achieve many of her dreams and positively affected her, as it gave her a platform and increased visibility, especially for women who look like her.

What was the initial personal experience of the interviewee after 'Bridgerton' became a hit?

The interviewee mentioned that her life turned upside down after the success of 'Bridgerton.' She went through a phase of craziness where she was highly recognized in public, and the experience was both overwhelming and transformative.

How does the interviewee maintain focus amid fame and recognition?

The interviewee emphasized the importance of staying focused on her craft, especially her acting. She also credited her friends, family, and loved ones for helping to ground her during the intense period of fame and change.

What phase is the interviewee currently in, and how is it different from the past?

Currently, the interviewee is in a 'single era,' focusing on herself, her work, and building her inner confidence. This new chapter contrasts with the chaotic period after 'Bridgerton's' release, where she felt surrounded by a whirlwind of fame and attention.

How does the interviewee feel about her new project in the music industry?

The interviewee expressed excitement and pride about her new music project. She has been working with producer Fraser T. Smith for nearly a year and is set to release her first album. The process has been personally fulfilling for her.

What genre of music is the interviewee working on, and what is her approach to it?

The interviewee is working on pop music for her debut album. She described the process as highly personal and a way for her to channel her artistic expression. The music is an extension of her creativity and storytelling.

How does creating music differ from acting, according to the interviewee?

The interviewee noted that music allows for more personal creative control compared to acting. While acting involves collaboration with a crew and taking direction, music offers the opportunity to have more ownership of the final product and express herself in a more individual way.

What is the creative process like for the interviewee when working on music?

The interviewee described her music creation process as deeply personal. She channels her emotions, experiences, and artistic vision into the music, giving her more control over the final outcome. The process is very different from acting, where there is more collaboration with directors and other professionals.

What role did her team and loved ones play during her transition into fame?

The interviewee credited her friends, family, and loved ones with helping her remain grounded during the intense period following the success of 'Bridgerton.' They provided support and stability, helping her navigate the changes in her life.

How does the interviewee view the release of her music in the context of her overall career?

The interviewee sees her music release as a significant step in her career, showcasing a different side of her artistry. She is passionate about the process and proud of the work she has done, viewing it as an evolution of her career and creative expression.