Holly Smale’s best selling coming-of-age story comes to life in the new series Geek Girl, which premiered on Netflix on May 30. Ahead of the series release, we got to chat with Rochelle Harrington who plays Natalie Grey to learn more about her character, the relationships of the cast members off set, and what she hopes people take away from the series. 

The series follows the story of Harriet Manners who has often struggled to fit in. But during a school trip to London Fashion Week, her life takes an unexpected turn when a modeling agency notices her. Harriet must navigate school and fashion as she undergoes big changes in her life. Emily Carey, known for her role in House of the Dragon, plays Harriet, and in addition to Rochelle, the cast also includes Sarah Parish, Jemima Rooper, Tim Downie, Zac Looker, and more. 

PULL QUOTE: “The cast was so incredible, they were all very professional and they knew what they were doing. They took me in, and they were very kind, and I was like a sponge around them.”

Geek Girl is Rochelle’s debut project as an actress, and she said she read the Geek Girl series when she was 10 years old, and it is still one of her favorite book series today.

“I loved the books so much. I loved how glamorous they were, and how down to earth they were.”

“[Holly Smale] absolutely does deserve her flowers for this, because it is a beautiful book and beautiful series.”

We asked Rochelle what her favorite thing about her character Natalie is and she said Natalie is very brave and resilient, as she tries to find herself as a model in the show. Rochelle said she also relates to Natalie’s strength. 

“I love how in the face of adversity, [Natalie] is so brave and she preserves. She is a very resilient character.”

Since this was Rochelle’s first ever project, it was also the first time she was on a major set, and she said she learned a lot from her castmates. While it was at first a nerve wracking experience, she said over the course of the project, her confidence grew and by the end, she felt like a completely different person. 

“Coming out of filming, I definitely felt like a new and improved version of myself, not even new and improved, just different, more kinder, more happy in my own skin and I just really like who I was.”

In the show, Harriet is neurodivergent and struggles socially, and Rochelle said she hopes the series helps others who are neurodivergent feel seen, heard, and represented.

Thank you, Rochelle, for chatting with Young Entertainment. Make sure to follow her on her Instagram at @rochellevharrington. Watch the rest of the video where we ask her more about funny behind the scenes moments, working with her castmates, what she learned as an actress, and ending with a round of rapid fire questions. 

Consider this:

• Absorb as much as you can from your castmates, whether it’s your first major project or you’ve been in the industry for years. Everyone on the set wants you to succeed. 
• Own your journey. Be yourself on set and don’t be afraid to ask questions.