London’s calling - Aoibheann McCaul

ACTRESS Aoibheann McCaul, of Fair City, says her mum would kill her if she went out with a guy like her on-screen boyfriend, bad boy Decco Bishop.

Aoibheann, 26, from Malahide, has played Caoimhe Dillon on the RTÉ soap since Sept 2010. “She’s a nasty, psycho bitch and very attention-seeking. Anything that’s wrong with the world, Caoimhe’s at the centre of it. But I love playing her. She’s so crazy and volatile and there’s always a lot of work to be done with her, because she’s given very tough stuff. She’s the character you love to hate, but I have to justify her actions,” she says.

The Dublin actress, who is one of four sisters and who still lives in her home town, says moving to London is always on the cards.

“I’m sure I’ll move there eventually, even for work.”

What shape are you in?

I’m in transition. I’m in good shape, but I want to be in great shape. I’m not concerned about being skinny. I’m just interested in being toned and lean. I’m naturally a curvy girl - I’m never going to be a whippet. I try to get to the gym three times a week, and on nice days I cycle the 10k there. I also love walking on the beach or on Howth’s Head - I like proper walks, not meandering.

Do you have any health issues?

When I’m older, I’ll have to look out for heart-related stuff - blood pressure and cholesterol. I suffer with my sinuses, so I have to look after my respiratory system. I’ve learned to limit dairy products.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

I have a smoothie for breakfast. I came across it on a blog. It’s called the glowing-green smoothie and it’s by nutritionist Kimberly Snyder. I make it and freeze it. The main ingredients are spinach, celery, romaine lettuce and a small amount of pear, apple, banana and lemon. I also eat a red grapefruit every day and I drink green tea.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

I eat chips, pizza, chocolate, crisps. My problem is all of those are guilty pleasures and I don’t even feel too guilty about them. I’d also eat jelly-beans by the bucketful.

What would keep you awake at night?

I don’t sleep very well. Auditions, learning lines, worrying about not waking up on time could all have me waking up multiple times during the night. When I started on Fair City, there was a week when I literally didn’t sleep.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Ryan Gosling. He’s an incredible actor and the most amazing man in the world. He’s funny, laid-back, polite, and mannerly when he’s doing interviews. When you see him at premieres, he’s saying hello to a baby, not smoking.

What’s your favourite smell?

I love the smell of cut grass.

When did you last cry?

About two months ago, when I had a fight with a friend. It did get resolved.

What would you change about your appearance?

I’ve gone past wanting to be this or that — it’s not a healthy frame of mind to think like that. I think it’s just about being the best that you can be. I’ve always wanted to be slim, have sallow skin and big hair, but I can’t change my body type and I’m beginning to accept my pale skin.

What trait do you least like in others?

Dishonesty — I hate fibs, even small ones. I need to be able to trust people. I just don’t see the point in lying.

What trait do you least like in yourself ?

I’m always told I care too much. I’d like to be more laid-back, more free-and-easy and be able to throw caution to the winds.

Do you pray?

No. I hope, but I don’t pray.

What would cheer up your day?

Seeing somebody doing a good deed for someone else.