A year and a half ago, Una left her fiancé Keith and uprooted her life in Dublin to work as a charity administrator in Sierra Leone. When she came back for Christmas, life in Carrigstown had changed, but will Keith always have a place in his heart for Una?

We put some of your questions to Sandra Curran.

Has Fair City changed much since you left?

Well there are a lot of great new characters. I'm a huge fan of Eamon Morrissey so it was great to see him appear on screen. Cass is a great addition to the cast. On my first day back I felt like the new girl all over again. The big shock for me was Suzanne and Damien, when I left they were a happy couple. That was such a difficult story line and they all did a great job. It was strange watching the show as a viewer; I'd no idea what was going to happen. I've made a lot of good friends from the show who I see regularly, but we don't talk stories.

Are you happy with the Una return storyline?

Yeah I guess so, I was back to do a job really. Things were getting very serious with Keith and Sarah, and Una was back to rock the boat.

Do you feel that Una's personality has changed since she returned?

Definitely, I suppose she's been away for eighteen months doing volunteer work in Sierra Leone. I think anyone would change experiencing that. It was such a drastic move for her and she's seen so much and learned so much. She really grew up over there and has realised what's important in life. Things that bothered Una before, like what people thought of her, how she looked, etc, don't matter anymore.

Will we find out any secrets that happened with Una while she was away?

No, not this time but hopefully Una will return and we could really explore that. I think she definitely has some secrets. I think she kept her cards close to her chest, even when Ray asked her about other men she was very cagey and didn't give much away.

Do you think Keith is Una's soul mate, and has she forgiven him for how mean he was to her when she left?

I'm not sure if he's her soul mate or not, but she does love him very much. Yes she's forgiven him, she feels now that life is too short. They were having a baby together and I think if you loose a baby, you'll always have a special bond with that person. When Una left, Keith slept with her sister Cliona, obviously Una doesn't know about this. I reckon it would have been a completely different story if she did.

You are looking wonderful since you returned, are you happy with the clothes Una has to wear in the show?

Thanks a million. Oh yeah I love Una's new look, it's a lot more me than the old Una. Helen from wardrobe did a fantastic job. Saying that I did like the old Una too, Stacey did a fantastic job there also, but that Una was different, she was so into her appearance and she was working in a very glamorous industry where it's expected that you glam up everyday. The makeup department who are also wonderful gave Una a much more natural look. It was great to be able to leave work without having to wash my makeup off. I certainly didn't miss the blue eye-shadow or the shocking pink lip-gloss!

What storyline would you give Una if you had the chance?

Hmmm that's a difficult one. I'd like to see the dark side to Una, maybe she could return from Africa with a big dark secret. I think the story team have a difficult job; I'll stick to the acting.

What has been your favourite story line in Fair City?

I'm not sure if you mean my storyline or in general. My storyline, I enjoyed the story when Una was pregnant & lost the baby, it was quite challenging for me. I think as an actor the more challenging the storyline the more you gain from it personally. Over the years I have to say I loved the Billy Meehan storyline, I was glued to the screen.

Is Una back fulltime or is this a fleeting visit?

Unfortunately she's on a fleeting visit. But hopefully she'll be back soon!

Una could set up a mobile hairdressing business at the community centre, would you be interested?

Yeah I'd be interested, that's a great idea. The mobile hairdressing business is thriving at the moment. Dolores is also a hairdresser, maybe they could go into business together. Then again can you imagine Wayne sticking his nose in, I think he is hilarious I love his character.

What character that Una currently doesn't interact much with, would you love to spend more time with?

That's a difficult question as there are so many. I've been really lucky as I've had story lines with some of Ireland's best actors. I feel the more characters you interact with the better for your character. I'm loving Damien and Wayne, they're comical together. I wouldn't mind a night on the town with them. I haven't had much interaction with Tracey or Carol either, I love their characters. I loved to interact with the older characters that have been there from the beginning, I think they are the heart and soul of Carrigstown.

Una and Deegan could be the new power couple of Fair City, what do you think?

Why not! I'd love to work with Tommy O'Neill he's such a lovely guy and so funny. I love the character Deegan, and Tommy's a wonderful actor. We've never had a scene together but I worked with him for the Fair City charity Christmas carol and I never laughed as much.

I see Una and Keith as a young yet glam "Jack and Vera" who could have longevity if the writers allow it. Would you be interested in pursuing that line or would you prefer to work with varied actors?

I'd love that. I think they're wonderful. I met them at the TV Now Awards and they were so nice. They're fantastic characters and had amazing chemistry. I think Una and Keith are very believable, everyone knows a couple like them. It would be great to be regular characters like they were and have regular work for thirty years.

Would you like to see Una and Keith settle down together as a couple, or do you think there is another character out there for Una?

Yes and no, I think they work great together but so much would have to change for them to work on a long term basis. I'd think there is always another character around the corner. For me it's all about chemistry on screen. Keith & Una had great chemistry from the beginning. A lot of the public say to me they'd love to see Una settle down with Ray. They have such a lovely friendship together. There are lots of handsome single men in Carrigstown at the moment!

It's wonderful to have you back by the way, how is motherhood treating you?

Thanks very much it was great to be back! Motherhood is amazing! I love being a Mum; it's the best thing that's ever happened to me. It's hard work but SO rewarding. Its really scary how much you can love one little person. It was so funny when I came back on screen my little baba was kissing the TV saying 'Mama'! Now every time he hears the music he gets really excited, he's SO adorable!!!

As an actress, what would your dream role be?

Oh, there are so many. I would love to do a serious Drama; I'd love Erin Brockovich to Cleopatra. A role that is challenging & powerful enough to win me my Oscar! You've gotta live the dream eh!! :-)

Thanks a million for taking the time to send in all your questions.
Best wishes,
Sandra.