Kiera Lester is an upcoming actress …
Known for her role as Daphne in the Amazon Prime hit drama series Chloe, Death in Paradise (2022) and Grace (2021). She graduated from Bristol Old Vic Theatre School with a BA in Acting in 2017. We spoke to Lest about her latest role in Ruby Speaking …
Who are you?
I’m Kiera Lester, a British actor born and living in Bristol.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently playing Melons in the upcoming ITVX comedy series, Ruby Speaking. Set in Hellocom, a Bristolian call centre, Ruby Speaking follows a mismatched bunch of colleagues as they navigate friendships, office crushes, and crazy bosses and generally get up to no good led by their irreverent team member, Ruby (Jayde Adams) ultimately leading them to enter Choir Fest South West – a choir competition they have absolutely no business being in. The cast also features Katherine Kelly, Amy-Leigh Hickman, Sam Swainsbury, Joe Sims, Jamal Franklin, Nicky Goldie and Dan Hiscox.
What are you watching?
I have just started watching Beef starring Ali Wong and Steven Yeun. In classic Netflix fashion, it is utterly binge-worthy and as usual, A24 doesn’t disappoint. I’m yet to finish the season but I’ve been told the final episodes descend into chaos.
What are you reading?
I’m currently re-reading A Fire Like You which is a collection of short yet gorgeous and impactful poetry by Upile Chisala – a storyteller from Malawi and a graduate of Oxford.
What are you listening to?
Typically all things Soul and Jazz, I forgot to be your lover by William Bell has been on my repeat list recently.
Last thing you saw on stage?
For Black Boys … by Ryan Calais Cameron. What a play.
Whose footsteps are you following in?
As an actor/creative, you quickly learn there is no direct route to ‘success’ so I try to steer clear of idolising any one individual’s career or footsteps. That being said, there are many individuals that inspire and motivate me in feeling that it is truly possible to curate the career you want. For example, Sophie Okonedo, Cynthia Erivo, Lydia West etc. career success, industry respect and privacy – Living the dream.
What’s next?
I am about to start on a very exciting video game project that has been a few years in the making, however, I’m having to stay hush-hush on what that is for a little while longer. Otherwise, Ruby Speaking premieres 22nd June 2023 on ITVX as a full series box set – perfect if you want a heartwarming laugh and a binge-watch.
What’s your socials?
Instagram @kieramoesha
Ruby Speaking premieres Monday 22nd June on ITVX as a full series box set.