Laura Halpin sometimes seems to be Carrigstown's un-caped crusader...

Currently she's reaching out to Ama, giving her a place to stay and trying to get her to open up about a mysterious past. Before that Laura united with Pete to rid Dolores and Carrigstown of Lucy's twisted lies and manipulation.

Despite her good deeds, poor Laura hasn't had much luck. Lucy cost Laura's most recent chance at love, when her lies forced Emily to leave. Laura's parents died tragically and her brother Mark is making a new start in Galway.

Laura does however have a loyal brother in Damien and seems to be doing well as a fitness instructor despite the economic challenges. Popular with Carrigstown's locals young and old, what's next for our Laura? Surely karma will bring some good fortune?

We grabbed Liana for a quick interview and put some of your questions to her:

Are you anything like Laura?

Yes, I'd like to think we'd be pals in real life. Laura is a little more impulsive than I am though. She has a stronger sense of right and wrong, and can be more steadfast in her decisions. After a few months, the writers begin to write dialogue that fits with the actor, so I think everyone is a bit like their character. Because Laura is a gym instructor, I have made a more concious effort to keep fit with this role, which can only be a good thing.

Laura is a bit of a goodie two shoes, do you ever wish Laura got into more trouble?

She's been in some trouble in the past because of her short fuse and inability to open up about her feelings. Considering her past though, her parents, she had to mature very quickly, and I think causing trouble, consciously, would be a huge betrayal to Damien. So yeah, I'd love to see her be bold.

If you could write any storyline for Laura, what would it be?

I'd love to play someone diabolical, a nasty piece of work, but that would be completely out of character. I would like to see some good fortune come her way though.

Will there be another love interest for you and if you had to pick someone who would it be?

I really have no idea if there's another love interest, but if there were I wouldn't say. If I had to pick a resident of Carrigstown for Laura to date, it would probably be Caoimhe Dillon. She already thinks that Laura fancies her because she's a lesbian, and she's arrogant enough to date a girl for the attention. They'd drive each other up the wall and it wouldn't last long, which is why I think it would be quite entertaining. I also get on really well with Aoibheann (Caoimhe) so it would be fun to have more scenes with her.

If you could play any other character in the programme (male or female!), who would it be?

Esther or Yvonne for the scathing one-liners. Cass for the epic monologues.

Who have you enjoyed working with most so far?

Maclean Burke is one of the sincerest, funnest and most energising people I've ever had the pleasure of meeting, let alone working with.

What actor would you like to work with more?

Probably Catherine Byrne (Judith), we get on really well and I think Judith is someone Laura would look up to.

Do you have any funny/juicy behind the scenes stories you can tell us?

This one is more embarassing. On my first day, I was sharing a dressing room with Sarah Flood (Suzanne), but she hadn't arrived in yet. I took the only costume in the wardrobe and put it on, thinking "I don't remember this outfit from the fitting, but hey". I wore it around for half an hour until someone from wardrobe came up holding my costume and told me to change.

Is it difficult to remember all those lines every week and do you have any tips for young actors out there?

I used to find it really hard, but as time went on it got so much easier. It's like any skill that needs to be developed. You're exercising that small part of your brain for short term memory, and it gets stronger and more intuitive every time. Tips for young actors, I would say put yourself forward for as many things as you can, for as many different and varied roles as you can. Plays, short films, whatever. So you can get as much experience on a stage and in front of a camera as you can. Learn monologues and film yourself saying them. You'll learn a lot about yourself and your abilities. Study, enroll in courses, even if they're short or part time. Read!

Acting in Fair City seems like an amazing job, are there any downsides to it?

Not really, maybe the early mornings, but I kind of like waking up before the world.

Were your parents happy about you becoming an actor?

They were happy I found something I was passionate about and wanted to persue. I was quite independent as a teenager, and always had things on the go, so they never had to worry that I wouldn't find a job.

What was the worst non-acting job you've ever had?

I worked at Oxygen one year. Huge mistake. I had a singlet on that said "Ask me a question", so try imagine the sheer volume of lame chat-up lines that will provoke.

Who are your favourite film/tv actors and actresses?

Probably Michael Sheen in most things, Dianne Wiest in A Guide To Recognising Your Saints , Sigourney Weaver in Alien. Actually this is tough, I could go on forever.

What would be your dream role?

Anything and everything at least once. I know that sounds like a cop out, but the reason I wanted to be an actor was so I could play lots of different and varying roles. I'm always yearning for a type of role that is the polar opposite of the role I have just played.