Actress Sharon Rooney says she owes it all to her wee Granny

Sharon Rooney (Martin Fraser/Getty Images)

SCOTS actress Sharon Rooney is handling double duties – and loving every minute.

She’s filming BBC’s Two Doors Down in Glasgow while being seen in ITV’s Brief Encounters, which finishes on Monday night.

That features established stars Sophie Rundle, Angela Griffin and Downton Abbey favourite Penelope Wilton.

And Sharon, who made her breakthrough in E4’s hit My Mad Fat Diary, says Penelope was a real inspiration.

“I couldn’t believe I was getting the chance to work with Sophie, Angela and Penelope,” Sharon, 27, told iN10.

“I was nervous at first because of what they’ve done, and to be one of the four leads in this was a big deal and really exciting.

“I was really chuffed and it definitely made me try to up my game.

“Penelope is outstanding and I felt really privileged because she took me under her wing.

“She was so kind and generous I felt it made me a better actress.

“I was learning all the time and every day was a bit of a masterclass.

“Seeing how she did things made me want to improve.”

And Sharon, who plays hairdresser Dawn in the 1980s drama set against the backdrop of the Ann Summers parties that were all the rage in those days, says there was plenty of time for laughs as well as lessons.

“We had so much fun,” she smiles. “We were always laughing and singing songs.

“Penelope took the same kind of role as she did in Dawn’s life and became my little piece of home.

“She was my ‘go-to person’ and she really made the job.”

Glasgow girl Sharon has packed in plenty projects so far, including a part in massive hit Sherlock, and roles in Mountain Goats and dark comedy/drama Stag.

But she admits the exposure of a big part in a peak time ITV series could be a game changer.

“Brief Encounters is definitely the biggest thing I’ve done because of the channel and when it’s going out,” she confides.

“It’s a big jump for me and that’s both nerve-racking and exciting. I’m just thrilled to be a part of it.

“Who knows what will happen now.”

Sharon giggles at the suggestion that she’s making it all look easy with job after job, insisting she definitely has to put the work in.

“That’s nice of you to say but I have to audition and try really hard to get on,” she adds.

“It’s really not easy, but any career is hard and as long as you’re prepared to work and keep your eyes open, I hope you’ll be fine.

“The only Plan B I’ve ever had apart from acting, would be to go into nursing and I’d probably still consider that.

“I’d love to be a nurse and make a difference. I love helping, I love older people and I love gabbing.”

Sharon’s gran, who died a couple of years ago, was a massive influence in her development and a huge source of inspiration.

“My gran was my best pal,” says Sharon, who won a Scottish BAFTA nomination for her performance as Rae in My Big Fat Diary.

“She wasn’t anything special – and she wouldn’t mind me saying that – she was just a wee Glasgow woman who worked hard all her days and raised a great family.

“But she always believed in me. Everybody needs someone fighting their corner and I was lucky I had this woman fighting mine.”

Sharon, who’s now London-based, didn’t get to film her scenes in Stag in Scotland but Two Doors Down does get her home.

And she’s delighted to have the chance to mix up her roles.

“I remember someone telling me I had to choose to be a serious actress or a comedy actress,” adds Sharon.

“I didn’t understand why you couldn’t do both, and it turns out you can.

“If someone says I can’t do something I’m the first to try and prove them wrong.”

Brief Encounters, ITV, Monday, 9pm