Rachel Shenton

Being at the first post-Weinstein Oscars was amazing. It felt like there's a spotlight on diversity.

Due to the closure of many deaf schools in the U.K., deaf children are forced to attend mainstream school. I don't mind this idea: I think it's inclusive, and it better prepares children for life in a hearing world. I don't mind this idea - if that child gets the right support.

I'm so excited, and I feel very lucky, as to be working in L.A. is a bit of a dream come true for any actor. I definitely have to have a few 'pinch myself' moments as I'm driving to work in Hollywood!

My ideal would be to hop both sides of the Atlantic to work, as I'm sure every actor would.

I stay in touch with a lot of the cast - Jess Fox, Jen Metcalfe and Nikki Sanderson and probably more that I've missed out. It's a cliche, but it really is like a family at 'Hollyoaks.'

Inequality within the deaf and hard of hearing community is something I feel really passionate about and always will do.

Millions of children all over the world live in silence and face communication barriers - and, particularly, access to education.

My dad lost his hearing in the last 18 months of his life, and as a result, I witnessed first-hand the effect that this can have on a family.

'Switched at Birth' has an amazing cast, including an Oscar winner and two Emmy nominees. The writing is very innovative, and the show's producers have redefined U.S. TV by launching a mainstream show which includes multiple deaf cast members whose characters communicate only in ASL (American Sign Language).

I really enjoy being involved in 'Hollyoaks Later' - it's great.

To be honest, the first thing that hits you when you step off the plane in L.A. is just how eager people are to help you out here - or, at least, that's what I've found.

When someone walks into me, whether it's my fault or not, I say, 'Sorry.'

I feel that Britain is a rather self-deprecating nation: you're almost considered egotistical to say you're good at anything.

There are many issues within the deaf community but, for me, none more important than access to education for deaf children.

I've done my fair share of fundraising over the years, and I know how difficult that can be, so I could only imagine people's reaction when I was asking them to part with their hard-earned cash for a movie.

I've seen a lot of people in my life base their self-worth on what job they book or don't book, what car they drive, or whether they can afford a house deposit or not.

In the deaf community, there is exactly that - a community. It's like nothing I see in the hearing world. It's old fashioned, I guess, and beautiful.

We need to be a bit kinder and more aware of what is really important.