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It's not often that we get to brag about homegrown talent taking on Hollywood. But we can boast until the cows come home about Marsha Thomason.
Having found fame in the UK, (starring in Playing the Field, Burn It and Prime Suspect) Marsha moved Stateside. It was a gamble. But it bought the risk-taking actress a role in the ideal show: ultra-slick US drama Las Vegas. She's now igniting screens as cooler-than-cool Nessa Holt on both sides of the Atlantic.
And cool was exactly how we found Marsha, shivering in her pashmina at the Sanderson Hotel in London. So, with a cup of tea to warm her cockles, we sat down for a cosy chat…
Your character Nessa is known as 'The Ice Queen', is that a fair description? Is there a warm heart beating under her frosty exterior?
Yes, there is. The nature of her job means she is very stern, however when she gets away from the pit she is fun and likes a laugh. And, she gets her heartbroken a little later on.
What is the biggest gamble you've taken in your life?
Moving to America. It wasn't frightening, but it was pretty ambitious. It was a gamble, I was working in the UK and doing pretty well and so it was like starting over again.
Can you do any card tricks?
I can play Blackjack. I know what to do if you're dealt a certain card. I'm probably no good now as I've been away from set for a couple of weeks. We don't play for money - I hate losing!
You've got a knack for accents and even taught Eddie Murphy cockney rhyming slang. Are there any that you find difficult to imitate? Which accent do you find the sexiest?
Geordie. I can't do it! I went for a Catherine Cookson, which was years ago, and needless to say someone else got the role, because I just couldn't do it! I used to love doing a Liverpudlian accent, as a kid especially that Milk advert: "Accrington Stanley". The sexiest accent…? I love a New York accent. The East Coast - I think that's pretty hot. I love the attitude of it. I've haven't spent much time in New York so it's still novel to me.
You've starred with Eddie Murphy and James Cann, two of Hollywood's legends. Who else would you like to work with?
I'd really love to work with Adrien Brody. I've always wanted to work with him, even pre-Oscar. I'd also like to work with Paul Bettany. He's amazing In Gangster No. 1. When he's not in it, you really miss him.
You studied English at University. What's your favourite book? Which book do you wish you could have written?
I just went on vacation and I read The Picture of Dorian Gray. It's great, it's so good. It's very Edgar Allen Poe and is about a man who falls in love with his own image. It's very apt today, as people are so consumed by their image, what with reality TV. What book would I have written? That's really tough that. I'm sorry I'm going to have to be rubbish and not say one because there's so many I really love.
Were your student days a far cry from the glamour of Las Vegas?
My student days were pretty glamorous! I lived at home for one thing so that helped. And I was a big clubber at the time and I love clothes. I used to turn up for college like I was in a fashion show - I'm sure people disliked me! It wasn't totally glamorous but it wasn't cheap either.
One thing that we've heard about you is that you are a big Manchester United supporter…
I hate them! I'm a big Manchester City fan. I think the reason you've got it the other way round is because the beautiful people at Las Vegas made me support them in an episode. (Neveda State) It hurt me bad! I told them I can't do this! But they made a fair point, which was that Manchester United are the more well-known club in this country and in America people don't know about City. We'd already established that Nessa was from London and I didn't want her to be a Cockney Red so I wrote a line in the script where the guy goes: "So what are you, a Cockney Red?" and I say: "No, actually I was born in Manchester" so that's my excuse for it. I had to call my Dad, because I send him the DVDs and say: "Listen, don't have a heart attack…! "
Which celebrity would you be tempted to marry in Vegas?
Getting married in Vegas is just not for me, I don't want Elvis to marry me! And I don't want to marry a celebrity. I don't understand why people in the public eye name check other celebrities that they're attracted to because you'll only upset someone.
On my next birthday list:
I don't want to be corny, but I've got everything I need. It would be really nice if my friends and family were with me.
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