Louisa Lytton, 22, is a Camden-born actress who rose to fame after being cast as Ruby Allen in EastEnders.

She left the soap in 2006 and joined The Bill, where she played PC Beth Green. In 2006, she was a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing and in 2008, represented the UK at the Eurovision Dance Contest. A year later, she appeared in Hollywood comedy American Pie – The Book Of Love as a British student.

She joins Zaraah Abrahams (Waterloo Road) and Wendi Peters (Coronation Street) in Eve Ensler’s Broadway hit The Vagina Monologues, which comes to the Theatre Royal Brighton tomorrow (Sunday, October 23).

Which film star/musician/ artist/ writer/other figure do you admire?

Jessie J. I have been a fan and follower for a few years now. She is an inspiring female and UK artist who has proved determination and hard work does wonders. Her lyrics are also full of morals and life lessons which I think makes her a perfect role model for the youth of today.

Which TV programme couldn’t you live without?

Growing up, I was obsessed with Bad Girls. I would love to have a role if they brought it back.

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

It would have either been a Spice Girls track – I was a massive Ginger Spice fan – or Take That. I had a crush on Mark Owen!

Tell us about any guilty pleasures lurking in your CD or film collections…

Either a Steps CD or Aqua’s Barbie Girl. I came across them both the other day but can’t bear to throw them as they are part of my childhood!

Do you have a favourite film...

The Notebook. I could watch it over and over again. It’s such a beautiful story and so simple, based on two characters and with perfect casting. Rachel McAdams is my favourite actress. I love her presence on screen.

How about a favourite book?

At the moment it’s David Nicholl’s One Day. I have just finished reading it and I couldn’t put it down. A must read!

Is there a song or individual piece of music you always come back to?

My favourite song is After Tonight by Justin Nozuka. He hasn’t had many releases but I found him online years back and his music is amazing.

That particular song reminds me of a safari holiday I went on with a cousin. We listened to it lots and it always brings back happy memories of a fantastic experience.

What are you reading at the moment?

Jane Eyre. I didn’t read it at school and after seeing the film I thought I should have a peek.

Tell us about a live music/theatre/ cinema experience that sticks in your memory...

It would have to be seeing American Pie – The Book Of Love at the premiere in LA.

Seeing myself on the big screen for the first time was exciting and an insight into what I would like my future to involve.

Is there a book/record/ film/play/person that made you want to do what you do now?

I went to a theatre school [London’s Sylvia Young] so the fellow students inspired me and proved what I dreamed of could and would come true. I also read books like The Secret etc a lot and they are always good for a confidence boost!

If you get a spare 30 minutes how are you most likely to spend it?

Either in Starbucks nattering on the phone to friends or online, researching a new adventure!