HULL actress Amy Thompson made her York Theatre Royal repertory debut in Beauty And The Beast while still a drama student at the University of Hull in April 2003. She will return to the city on August 22 as a presenter in Milkshake! Live Party Party at the Grand Opera House.

Here she talks about childhood, her first theatre steps and her television and stage role in the children's show Milkshake!.

Where did you grow up?

"In Hull. I'm the eldest of four girls. We all went to dance school from a young age, but it's me and my youngest sister, Ruby, who have gone on to become professional performers. My other two sisters went down the science route. One is a chemistry teacher and the other a doctor. They were the sensible two. I go back to Hull as often as I can; it's an amazing city; I adore it. We're so proud it is to be the City of Culture in 2017."

What was your first theatre experience?

"My first time on the stage was at six years old. It was our end-of-term dance show. I did a tap dance to The Ugly Bug Ball; my mum probably still has my green leotard bug costume! I can still remember that feeling of extreme excitement, nerves and adrenaline. I still experience that feeling to this day. When you stop feeling that buzz, it's time to quit."

What is your first memory of presenting Milkshake! on TV?

"My first live Milkshake! morning makes me smile. I was so unbelievably nervous, I had never done any presenting before and had to present live on my third day of starting the job. I was literally thrown in at the deep end, but it's the best way to learn. My heart was racing from 6am till the last live link at 9.15am.

"In theatre, you've rehearsed what you are doing so it's live but rehearsed. There was no rehearsal presenting Milkshake! This was me being me, completely unscripted and unlike acting, no character to hide behind. As far as I can remember everything went well; no major slip ups or stumbles. It was when I spoke to my best friends later that day, who said they were really proud and I had done so well, but asked where had Hull accent gone? I had obviously been so nervous, I had spoken with quite a posh accent and hadn't even realised! We still laugh about that to this day!

"Nowadays, I'm much more relaxed on screen and all those Hull vowels are very much present and correct."

What makes Milkshake! so popular?

"Milkshake! is a really strong brand with a fantastic mix of children's programmes. Strong favourites like Little Princess and Bananas In Pyjamas. Then we have newer shows too, exclusive to Milkshake! that are already incredibly popular with our audience, including Toby's Travelling Circus and Milkshake! Monkey. We also have shows that I grew up watching, Noddy, Thomas and Fireman Sam. That for me is its appeal; it's classic but fresh. It's also the only children's strand on TV that is live, so we can interact directly with our viewers instantly."

You must have to start the day early for your Milkshake! presenting role. Do you have to go to bed really early to make sure you can manage those starts?

"I really try but I just can't get myself to switch off at 9pm. It doesn't feel right. I usually manage three or four hours' sleep the night before I present live and for me, that's enough, but believe me, I make up for it the next day with a lovely lie-in."

What happens in the new live show, Party Party?

"It features two Milkshake! presenters and a big bunch of favourite Milkshake! characters, who are planning a surprise birthday party for Milkshake! Monkey! Everyone has their very own, special party job. Expect lots of singing, dancing and a fabulous birthday party! "

Which characters will be joining you on this tour?

"Little Princess; Bananas In Pyjamas; Toby and Dolores from Toby's Travelling Circus; Noddy and Tessie Bear; Milkshake! Monkey; Tommy and Tallulah from Tickety Toc; Bello from Jelly Jamm, Chloe from Chloe's Closet and the brand new but already hugely popular Pip from Pip Ahoy! will be joining us on stage this year."

Does the live show encourage audience participation?

"Our shows are always very interactive; we very much encourage people to get up and dance and sing along with us. Usually, we need the Milkshakers to help us too along the way. Whether it's because Toby from Toby’s Travelling Circus needs some help with his magic trick or we can't find Milkshake! Monkey, our audience is a huge part of the show's success."

Finally, Amy, when you're not working, how do you unwind?

"In my spare time I like to travel, visit my family in Hull and read. To unwind, I go swimming, do some yoga or visit the beach. I spend a lot of time in Scarborough; it's my favourite place to relax."

Milkshake! Live Party Party, Grand Opera House, York, August 22, 1pm. Box office: 0844 871 3024 or at atgtickets.com/york