So Jo, the Logies are coming up soon, when will you know if you have been nominated and how do you think you will react if you are? Not until the first week in April and if I'm fortunate enough to be nominated then I'll consider myself very lucky. I've only been on television for a year, fingers crossed.
You have been away from the Macleay for quite a few years. Do you think about the place much, do you miss family and friends? Of course I miss the Macleay, how could you not.
I'm truly a country girl at heart and try to get back as much as I can. What I love most is the familiarity of a small town like Kempsey and I miss that sort of openness in people that you don't get in the city. When I do get back I love to relax on Mum and Dad's veranda and do absolutely nothing.
It's so quiet and peaceful; it's my haven from the city. Kempsey has received a bad wrap recently in a University of NSW study, claiming it to be pretty much a poverty stricken area with a low employment rate and high crime and domestic violence. Are your memories of the Macleay Valley consistent with these allegations?
I had a wonderful time growing up on the Macleay. There was always plenty to do and I have nothing but fond memories. I was involved in a lot of out of school activities which kept me on my toes; there was no room for boredom.
It's important for young ones going through high school to have a go at different sorts of subjects in school and to find hobbies. It keeps you out of trouble and helps to give you an idea of what you're interested in which can lead to a career. I get offended when I hear or read about people referring to Kempsey this way.
I'm quite certain they haven't taken the time to look around and enjoy what the town has on offer. I do agree that Kempsey has had its fair share of crime but I'm sure no different to any other rural town. The good thing about the town is that there are people within the community who are helping to get certain problems under control.
We know you have literally thousands of supporters here. You make the community feel proud to have nurtured such a beautiful talent as yourself. Is that humbling?
I'm glad I make my home town proud because I'm truly proud of where I come from. Yes, it is humbling that the town supports me, my love for the arts began here. What are your best memories of the town you grew up in?
My memories are mostly innocent ones which is probably why I will one day raise my family in the country. I remember that I was always on the go when I was growing up. If I wasn't in class at school, I was in the dance group with Jenny Thomas, or rehearsing for the latest school musical.
Then there was dancing and music lessons along with Eisteddfods, looking back now I was damn busy. There was never a dull moment. Are you one of those celebrities that people could come up to on the street and say: "Excuse me, but wow, you are Erica from All Saints aren't you?
Are you still spinning out from being a national TV star? I get so nervous when people recognise me that I blush which you think I'd have under control by now. It's very embarrassing.
Describe an average day for Jo Anderson, from your first appointment to knock-off time. An average day would go something like this..
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. roll out of bed at around 5am, drive the hour it takes me to get to work out at Epping, hit the make-up chair around 6.30am, grab a quick bite to eat, then it's time to get on set to begin filming for the day 7.
30am. I film all day until 6.30pm then wash off my makeup before making the one-hour journey home.
Sometimes I have scenes off during the day and for that down time I usually bring a book to read or I might sneak a nap on the lounge. The cast has what you call a green room which is basically our own lounge room. Then there are rehearsals on Wednsday, along with filming, and photo shoots for certain events and events for special occasions.
From your first job as a shop assistant in Kempsey at age 14 did you ever think you would be a TV celebrity living the glitzy life? For some crazy reason which I cannot explain, I applied for my first job at 14 and nine months or whatever the age is when you can legally work. I started at Best Less which I discovered has gone.
It was a great place for school kids who wanted a part time job. So many of my friends worked there on a Saturday morning, it really was great to have your own pocket money and it gave us a sense of responsibility. Now, a question all the girls in the office asked me to ask you?
Any ideas what you are wearing to the Logies?
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