University News Last updated 05 June
RBC Acting alumna Kate Humbles has had two breakthrough acting roles in episode 11 of Casualty – Internal Affairs as Layla Croston and season 10, episode 7 of Grantchester as Grace Tuffit. Here, Kate shares how the opportunities came about and some pearls of wisdom for others wanting to break into the TV industry.
How did the opportunities arise in Grantchester and Casualty?
The opportunity to audition for Casualty and Grantchester came from my agents at Hatch Talent, who I signed with when I graduated from RBC. I auditioned for two other roles for Grantchester before eventually being cast. I self-taped for Grantchester then was brought in for an in-person recall, after which I was cast. Casualty was only one audition, which was in person at the BBC Television Centre in White City.
When did you film them?
I filmed Casualty and Grantchester at the same time in October/November 2024. Casualty was filmed at the BBC studios in Cardiff and Grantchester was spread out over a few weeks filming on location in Grantchester village and at the studios.
How did you feel about working with such professional and confident casts?
I was excited to be working with such experienced actors who were all so lovely. My experience on Grantchester was particularly special as the cast, including Robson, Rishi and Tessa (to name a few), really welcomed me. The whole cast and crew let you know that you are a part of the Grantchester family. I was also filming Grantchester for quite a while, which allowed me to really connect with the cast. I learned a lot on set, and my confidence grew as I felt more and more like I belonged there.
Were there any challenges that you had to overcome when you filmed them?
I found the emotional intensity of one of the scenes in Casualty quite challenging. When you’re filming you have to do lots of takes, and it’s difficult to sustain that emotion especially as the scene required a lot of tears. Even though the scene is only a couple of minutes long, we were filming for a few hours. It can be difficult to get back to that heightened state when you have to cut for cameras to change position, etc. I had to keep reminding myself of the position my character was in to reconnect to that emotion.
What has the response been to the episode of Casualty?
The Casualty episode has received a lot of positive feedback from the public which is great. As for my role, I’ve had amazing support from family, friends and lots of my fellow RBC graduates and students.
When will your episode of Grantchester be aired?
Grantchester is due to air in the US on 15 June 2025, and while there is no set date for the UK release yet, the show tends to air on ITV1 in early January.
Can you tell us anything about this episode?
I can’t say much about my Grantchester episode except that it is very different from Casualty.
Describe your journey to being selected for these roles so quickly after graduating?
The journey since graduating has been amazing. Thanks to my agents, Vic Murray and Mia Pavey, I’ve had the opportunity to audition for some incredible projects including Marvel, Netflix and obviously ITV and BBC. The first job I booked just before my graduation ceremony was an advert for McCoys Crisps. From there I booked Casualty and Grantchester. Booking the advert first was helpful as it felt like a great first step and introduction to the industry. It’s important for me to say, however, even though I’ve booked these jobs there have been plenty of roles I’ve auditioned for that have been a no.
How did the Acting course at RBC help you to fulfil your potential?
The main thing the Acting course helped me with was learning to take risks. I remember my course director Danièle Sanderson telling me to try to step out of my comfort zone and not to play it safe and this was a real turning point for me. I also got the opportunity to play some incredible roles in my third year, including Beatie Bryant in Roots by Arnold Wesker and Hope Cladwell in Urinetown the Musical. My confidence really developed through these roles, and I felt as if everything I’d been working for throughout the course I was able to use.
What words of wisdom would you impart to current Acting students about finding work in the way you have?
Be proactive. My agent didn’t come to our London showcase, so I emailed them with links to my digital showcase and made an effort to sell myself as an actor. I was in dialogue with them for a while before they signed me, as they wanted to hear me sing and hear me do lots of accents. So, I would say be proactive and don’t expect things to fall at your feet. I would also say find your niche. There are so many talented actors but what are your Unique Selling Points (USPs)? My first email to my agent included all my USPs, including that I’m an actor-singer, I’m dual nationality with an Irish passport, and that I have the ability to look very young and play teenagers. Discover what makes you stand out, whether that’s playing an instrument, speaking a different language, playing a unique sport – anything that makes you different.
How and why did you select the agency that represents you?
I didn’t wait for our in-person showcase to start contacting agents. I looked at lots of different agents and what their actors were doing. I checked not only that they had working actors but that the projects they were doing were the kind of things I wanted to do. Hatch Talent immediately stood out for me due to their clientele’s current work. I knew I wanted to explore more film and TV work, and Hatch’s clients were successful in that area. I straight away felt a trust and respect for my agent simply through emailing. They were interested, responsive and wanted to see as much of what I could do as possible. When I eventually went for my in-person meeting with them I knew Vic and Mia were people I could work with and alongside and they offered me representation at the end of the meeting.