When Louise Roe, the “fairy godmother” of MTV’s Plain Jane, was in Dubai last October to shoot an episode, she looked nothing like the “big sister” she claimed she plays on show.
Dressed in casual but chic, Roe looked seemed like any other woman holidaying at the Bridge Suite in Atlantis The Palm.
“Some of my friends have been here on holiday and I’ve wanted to come a long time,” she’d told tabloid!. “[Shooting for the Dubai episode] was one of my favourite episodes. What an incredible city. We went to the desert, the racetrack, the beach, the Palm – everything we saw was so impressive, and on such a large scale.”
The reality show – its third season premiering on Saturday, May 31 – Roe tells us is about boosting a woman’s confidence.
“There’s no script and that’s what I love about the show. It’s really ‘real’. It’s about the girl’s feelings, her journey. There are times she’s terrified, crying... It’s basically me being a ‘big sister’, helping them through, being there for a laugh and a hug, on camera and off”.
The Dubai episode’s Jane is a young American woman living in London. The episode will air on June 21.
Excerpts:
Will season 3 be any different from the previous ones?
Absolutely – this is our best season yet. We travel globally now – from LA and Vegas to Dubai, Spain, London, Italy, the locations are absolutely spectacular. And some of the challenges the ‘Janes’ have to face are more terrifying (but awesome!) then ever. There’s a heightened suspense and more action, for sure.
How do you choose the Janes?
Our girls all want to dive in head first and try something new. They might be scared initially, because it’s not an easy week, it’s an emotional rollercoaster, so they really have to want to ride it.
Have you had any favourite ‘Janes’? Tell us why.
There are so many I absolutely adored. Sobi, a couple of seasons ago, was an absolute sweetheart, so excited and grateful for everywhere we took her. And she was an avid musician. Since the show, she’s released her first song after signing a record deal. I’m so proud of her.
Most of these women, though intelligent, are short on confidence, which depicts in their personalities. You are an inspiration to them, representing what one can call ‘women’s empowerment’. What does the term ‘women’s empowerment’ mean to you?
There are many different ways to empower yourself. Shouting loudly isn’t always the fastest route to it either – I think knowledge is power, and not mistaking kindness for weakness. Being kind to others can be a very confidence-building experience. And then let’s not forget, fashion. It has the ability to make you look and feel fantastic.
Who would you consider a fashion icon?
For me fashion icons are from the 1970s – Ali McGraw, Farah Fawcett, Lauren Hutton. And they, I don’t think, would have called themselves fashion icons because they just oozed that sophistication and elegance – even if they wore a jeans and t-shirt. Especially Ali McGraw. So for me style is far more intrinsic in a woman’s confidence and, actually, that’s what comes to play in the show too. I make sure that our Jane is actually feeling really confident because for me there’s no point wearing a fabulous dress unless you can hold it.
I love fashion, so for me it’s fun to get dressed in the morning. But when I’m off duty, I like to wear a lot less make up, have my messy hair up in a bun and keep a natural look. But I believe you can still be comfortable without being sloppy.
Who and/or what do you consider to be your inspiration?
Women with brains, plus a sense of humour about their success, like Jennifer Lawrence and Carine Roitfeld.
What is your mantra for success?
Reach for the stars but always keep your feet on the ground.
Tell us how you keep fit, physically and mentally. Do you follow a particular fitness regime?
When I’m not filming I try to work out most days – either hiking, tennis or pilates, which I love. I do try to eat healthily – lots of vegetables and fish, but I don’t deny myself either.
