Sophie McShera’s two roles on Downton and The Job Lot couldn’t be more different

Sophie McShera’s choice of roles was perfect.

There’s a double dose of Sophie McShera on screen at the moment but her two roles couldn’t be more different.

Sophie is kitchen maid Daisy in Downton Abbey and also one of the cast in ITV2 comedy The Job Lot.

The two characters she’s job-shy Bryony in the sitcom couldn’t be further apart and that suits Sophie just fine.

“One of the appeals of The Job Lot is that it’s so different from Downton,” admits Sophie.

“It’s really fun to do comedy. When Siobhan Finneran, who played Miss O’Brien, appeared in Benidorm people didn’t know it was the same person who starred in Downton. It’s very important to do different things.”

Despite being at the very heart of the period drama smash from the beginning, Sophie says she can’t pinpoint just why it’s so big.

“The scripts are amazing and people love the ensemble cast. But I really can’t explain the success it’s had in so many countries.

“We had a tour of the White House, which was incredible. That’s a testament to the popularity of the show. It’s the kind of thing you can’t imagine will ever happen.”

There’s always been a bit of humour, as well as conflict, between Daisy and cook Mrs Patmore (Lesley Nicol).

“They’ve got a classic mother/daughter thing going on,” adds Sophie. “We go through phases where they are very supportive and loving but then they fight each other a bit.”