Zoom call from teacher’s film star cousin for college girls

A YEAR 7 class at Ladies’ College had a special English lesson when they were joined remotely by film and TV star Ashley Jensen.

Resplendent in her Christmas jumper, TV and film star and voiceover artist Ashley Jensen spent 30 minutes on a Zoom call to Year 7 Ladies’ College students, whose English teacher, Ann Isbister, is the star’s cousin.

The star of the film Nativity, and a voice-over artist for the animated film Gnomeo and Juliet, and also particularly well-known for her TV work with Ricky Gervais in Extras and After Life, zoomed into the college through her relationship with cousin and English teacher Ann Isbister.

‘I mentioned to the girls that Ashley was my cousin when we were speaking about favourite films, as she had voiced the Frog in Gnomeo and Juliet,’ Mrs Isbister said.

‘When they asked me a lot of questions about her, I thought it would be a nice Christmas surprise for them to have a video message from her.’

She said Ms Jensen had happily agreed before changing the original plan.

‘Closer to the time she called and said she’d love to speak to them all and could we maybe set up a Zoom call so they could ask her questions,’ she added.

‘It was a lovely half hour and I was delighted they enjoyed it as much as they did.’

The students were able to question Ashley Jensen about he roles in animated films such as Gnomeo and Juliet.

Questions from the girls included asking what Ms Jensen’s favourite part of Nativity was, how she balanced acting and family, what it was like acting in animated films, and what advice she would give to someone wanting to act.

‘Get as much experience as you can, work hard, and volunteer to do everything,’ Ms Jensen responded.

She had not visited Guernsey, but said it looked beautiful and planned to visit Mrs Isbister and her family in the future.

‘It was really lovely to meet the girls and spend time chatting with them,’ she added.

‘They were a lot of fun and had some brilliant questions – we had a great giggle together.’

Charis Burgoine, 12, said she had really enjoyed the call.

‘She was so sweet and friendly. It was so nice to meet a celebrity.’

Eleven-year-old Eloise Thompson’s favourite part of the call was learning a red carpet pose, and Claudia Bailey, also 11, said she was currently acting as Bob, from Nativity, in a play so did the dance move ‘the worm’ for Ms Jensen.

‘I can’t believe I did the worm for a celebrity,’ she said.

Orla Montgomery, 11, was ill but joined in via the Zoom call.

‘It’s really cool to watch Nativity and think I’ve spoken to her,’ she added.