Tell us a little bit about yourself at 18. Were you studying, working? What were your hobbies and interests?
When I was 18 I was at Winstanley College studying dance and drama. I was also in Hollyoaks. I loved everything to do with performance and going out with my friends to a club called Kudos.

So, we’re turning 18 this year and we’re planning a full month of competitions, giveaways and topping it all off with a huge party. How did you celebrate your 18th birthday?
My family hired a pub near our house and I had a party. It’s since turned into an amazing Indian restaurant we always go to when I go home. 

Tell us something wild or crazy you did as a young adult.
Oh gosh! I volunteered for a competition in said club Kudos where I had to swap clothes with a guy on stage. Whoever did it fastest won a day trip to Ibiza!! I won!! 

What did you most look forward to/dread about turning 18?
I'm quite an optimistic person and not fazed by much so I guess I didn't think much about it, I was just looking forward to being seen more as an adult and being taken more seriously. Now I'm an adult I just want to be a kid again ha!

Is there anything you miss about being 18? Would you go back to age 18 if you could?
I had more energy and there's something blissful in ignorance at that age and lack of responsibility. Seeing more of my friends was amazing.

If you could deliver a 30 second message to your 18 year old self, what would it be?
I would go back just for a day or two to see how much I've changed and remember all those little things I’m forgetting, that you take for granted in the moment. I wouldn't tell her a thing. I love my life right now and I'm here because of the great choices and extremely wrong choices I've made. I wouldn't want to risk changing it.

See Carley performing in Les Misérables which is currently booking until March 2018.

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