New Degrassi cast member Alex Steele is about to do something pretty historic for the long-running series – she is the first actor to return to the show in a character beyond the one that she originated.
Alex was on Degrassi: The Next Generation in the early seasons as Joey Jeremiah’s young daughter and Craig’s little sister Angie; sadly, when Joey and Craig disappeared from the series so did their relative. Now, the actress who played Angie is all grown up and is playing a new character, Tori, who also happens to be a member of Degrassi’s new freshman class. (Degrassi historians, before you correct me: I am aware that actors such as the late Neil Hope played different characters between The Kids Of Degrassi Street and Degrassi Junior High; I’m mostly referring to the “canon” Degrassi “universe” which began with DJH)
Alex also happens to be related to a Degrassi fan favorite — her sister, Cassie Steele, played Manny Santos for the show’s first nine seasons and can now be seen on the drama The L.A. Complex.
If ever a character would appear to end up being “the popular girl,” Tori is it, and she quickly has conflict with other characters, including… well… we’ll save that for the interview.
Before the “Party With Degrassi” event in Los Angeles, we spoke with Alex as well as other cast members (you can find those here). Hopefully, we’ll have some video of the Q&A’s up tomorrow; but for now, read what Alex had to say here! Questions are in bold; Alex’s answers are not.
You’re returning to Degrassi as a new character, instead of Angie Jeremiah. Did you ever expect that you might return as that character?
Yeah. I used to think about that, because I always really wanted to be on Degrassi. I was a huge fan. I was thinking of scenarios. Like “Oh! What if I came back as Angela?” But then they opened up an audition for Tori, and I was like “This is my chance. This is the opportunity.”
Tori appears to be feisty, judging from the Degrassi: New Beginnings trailer. Who is that she’s fighting with?
That is Olivia [Scriven, who plays Maya, Katie’s sister].
And what are they fighting about?
You’ll have to watch and see. I don’t want to give it away.
What do you think of being in L.A. for the Tour?
I was so excited to come back, because I came here to visit my sister a couple times when she lived down here. I’m so excited to be back. It’s just as beautiful as I remember.
Will Tori have a love interest?
Oh yes! She gets herself into triangles, so yeah. I’m excited.
Degrassi: New Beginnings starts Monday, February 20 on TeenNick! Here’s the promotional trailer so you can have an idea of what to expect:
