Interview: Lucia Keskin (aka Chi With A C) On Her New BBC Comedy Things You Should Have Done

From TikTok sensation to the writer and lead of a BBC Three comedy, everything is happening for Lucia Keskin. Here we chat all about Things You Should Have Done – streaming now on BBC iPlayer – and what’s coming next.

Interview: Lucia Keskin

Photographer: David Reiss;  Hair & makeup: Maria Comparetto; Styling: Jennifer Michaleski-bray

Hi Lucia, how’s life going at the moment?

Hello! It’s all a bit mad right, as I can’t quite believe it’s all happening.

You star in Things You Should Have Done on BBC Three – can you give us an elevator pitch for the show? 

So TYSHD is about a girl whose parents do everything for her and then suddenly die and she’s left to figure everything out.

You play Chi – how would you describe her?

She sees the best in everyone whilst she’s ruining their lives.

What was it like playing her?

It was very fun to be able to play someone who will just say anything they’re thinking and not care.

How did you get into character/prepare for the role?

It was mainly all in the costume and hair and makeup. I’d be wearing the most unflattering clothes and grease put into my hair daily and it’s just a case of being fully confident whilst looking horrendous.

Are you still in touch with any of your co-stars?

Yes, we speak all the time!

Any new roles in the pipeline that you’re excited about? (If you’re allowed to tell us!)

I’m currently in rehearsals to play Lorraine Kelly in the film biopic about her life (this is a lie).

Who has been your favourite person to work with in the past? 

Always an absolute dream working with Katy Wix in Big Boys.

Which co-star did you learn the most from?

I learnt a lot from each co star in the show as they all bring so many different skills.

What’s your dream role?

Definitely doing anything with Diane Morgan, even if we’re just playing garden chairs.

What’s a genre you’d like to do more of?

Horror.

Do you get to spend much time at home?

I do but I’ve been trying to get myself out my flat as much as possible so that I do more than 24 steps in a day.

Do you live in the town or the country? Which do you prefer?

I’ve just moved to London from Margate which is a big difference, but I definitely prefer it here.

What’s your interior design style?

I love too many styles to ever stick to one so it’s a bit crazy.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

Kylie Minogue.

If you could give advice to your 15-year-old self, what would it be? 

Keep being delusional, it will work.

How can we all live a little bit better?

If you get an Uber instead of walking, just walk on the spot when you’ve arrived and it’s the same thing.

Anything fun in the pipeline – professionally or personally?

My dogs getting a dental cleaning in a couple weeks – that’s pretty exciting.

Photographer: David Reiss; Hair & makeup: Maria Comparetto; Styling: Jennifer Michaleski-bray

Lucia Keskin Recommends…

I’m currently watching… The Dog House on Channel 4

What I’m reading… How To Kill Your Family by Bella Mackie

The last thing I watched (and loved) was… Yellowjackets

What I’m most looking forward to seeing… Bad Sisters series two

Favourite film of all time… Oceans 8

Favourite song of all time… All of them

Band/singer I always have on repeat… Erika Jayne

My ultimate cultural recommendation… Crisps inside sandwiches

Cultural guilty pleasure… Real Housewives of Beverley Hills

What’s next for me is… Wherever the wind takes me.

WATCH

Watch Lucia Keskin in Things You Should Have Done, streaming now on BBC iPlayer.