She’s best known for her keen eye in fashion – but Angela Scanlon has recently been taking over our screens.
Her star is fast rising, after recently being given her own RTE show – Full Frontal – and will be back on travel programme Getaways.
But despite meeting up with Rosanna Davison for the series, Angela tells us why she won’t ever strip for Playboy – and her plans for more TV shows.
She also tells us why she thought she was going to die filming RTE travel show Getaways, which she has recently taken over.
Rising star: Angela is determined to make her mark | RTE
You seem to be breaking into TV a lot now, is fashion still something you want to pursue?
For me, fashion is where I started out years ago and is still something I’m very involved in but I find it difficult to imagine a format that’s informative and entertaining nowadays.
People consume fashion in a different way now, they are online all the time and watching shows in real time. It’s more democratic than it’s ever been and that’s a really positive thing, people feel empowered and confident, they’re setting their own trends. For now I’m happy doing what I’m doing and feel very lucky to have the opportunity to shimmy sideways!
It was a huge deal to front your own series, how did it feel to get Full Frontal – and do you see more coming?
It’s amazing to get the opportunity to get stuck into a bigger project and explore subjects that I’m personally interested in. To have gotten a series off the back of one documentary is a real compliment.
There were four parts, four different subjects so it was a completely different undertaking. We were able to grow the format and test different elements over the course of the series which was great.
There are still a million other subjects I’d like to tackle and this framework allows me to do it in a way that feels authentic and fresh!
New plans: Angela wants more Full Frontal | RTE
Obviously you had huge success with it, what other type of shows would you like to bring out?
I think Full Frontal is just getting started. There are so many subjects that could be explored in this this way. Gogglebox is a good example but ultimately viewers want to see ‘real’ people being honest and vulnerable.
They want to see people they can relate. On a personal level I want to make telly I’d watch myself, I don’t want someone preaching to me about what I should or shouldn’t do, how I should or shouldn’t dress or live, I want to be entertained! Creating thought provoking programmes in a light hearted way, that’s my jam!
What did you find most surprising while doing the show?
With Oi Ginger it was obviously something that came out of a conversation, a reaction to other peoples perceptions. This time around it was about picking topics that I’m equally passionate about and exploring them in a different way.
Looking at things that I talk about with my mates and sisters and approaching them in a different way. I never want to make current affairs programmes but we tackled issues that are, in parts, very sensitive, I think we just do it in a light hearted way.
I don’t want to be standing on the side lines observing, for me to fully understand and feel informed I need to experience and I’m not afraid to do that. We met loads of brilliant people along the way. Completely confident, open minded, empowered individuals who I think represent modern Ireland.
New pals: Angela met Rosanna for show
Our favourite moment was when you dressed up as the ‘perfect woman’…
I was so utterly uncomfortable! The ‘Fakeover’ was a real moment for me. Armed with giant boobs and a padded arse I took to the streets. I had hair down to my ass and in my mind looked like I may be on the game, I felt seriously self conscious and was very close to tears which took me totally by surprise.
The cameras were on a long lens so I was alone and felt very very exposed! I had to question my own judgements and it’s definitely made me more aware of the assumptions we make about people, sometimes based purely on how they look.
After speaking with Rosanna Davison about her Playboy cover did it change your view of stripping off for Playboy? Is it something you would ever consider?
Ha! No. I wouldn’t do it in a million years but the interview didn’t change my feelings about Rosanna doing it.
I believe in people doing whatever the hell makes them happy. She speaks about it as a hugely positive and empowering experience, she’s a business woman and I respect that.
Stripping off: Angela was a tad risque for RTE show | RTE
Would you judge if someone close to you ever decided to strip for Playboy?
My mate Daisy Lowe did an amazing Playboy shoot too and I reckon if it’s an option and makes sense at a particular time in your life professionally or otherwise, then why the hell not?!
Too many people sit at home casting judgement about girls they’ve never met and their actions, I have no interest in living my life that way.
How did your new husband feel about you taking your clothes off to promote Full Frontal?
Ha! He’s a relaxed guy… It’s suggestive rather than explicit so it doesn’t cross the line!
Taking over: Angela is replacing Aoibhinn on Getaways | RTE
Getaways is coming soon – and we’re very excited to see it – is there anything you can tell us about the new series?
It’s all about holidays! It’s been a blast to do and I’ve had so much fun. Generally when I go on holiday I sleep and eat and drink and eat some more and have a snooze, again.
The trips are obviously jam packed so it’s a very different type of holiday and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Hanging from the edge of the CN Tower in Toronto was a highlight. I thought I was going to die!
