Michelle Ryan Dishes About Her Role as Bionic Woman

British beauty Michelle Ryan may look like the girl next door, but like Jaime Sommers, she's far from being ordinary. Before landing the role as the incredibly modified Bionic Woman, Michelle started her acting career at the tender age of 15 as Zoe Slater on the popular BBC soap opera East Enders. Since then, she's appeared in several films, plays, television shows, and even landed the cover of FHM—and she's only 23! In a recent interview, I asked the new Bionic Woman how she prepares for her role, keeps in touch with her family back in England, and which gadgets keep her sane between takes.

What's your favorite part about playing the Bionic Woman?

The fact that I get to lead the show and play such a strong, feisty character. Also, doing the stunts, working with such a great cast, everything about it, really.

Physically, how demanding is this role for you? Do you do your own stunts?

This role is hugely demanding—a real challenge, and I love it. I'm doing my own stunts as much as possible. The other day, I wanted to do a stunt where I would have to leap across buildings, but NBC safety stepped in, so I couldn't do it, which was probably a good thing. I have a really fantastic stunt double Jo-Anne.

How different is the new Jaime compared to the old Jaime Sommers played by Lindsay Wagner?

I think at the core she’s still a strong young female, but Jaime has more of an edge now. She is a little more conflicted.

Of all the new abilities you have as the Bionic Woman, which one do you wish you had in real life?

The bionic eye would be great! It would be wonderful to have incredible vision.

That first fighting scene with you and Katee Sackhoff, who plays Sara Corvus, was amazing. How long did you train for it?

We took two days to film that scene. There were rain towers, and it was full-on fighting! We both came away with bruises. I had been training with a trainer, and doing Krav Maga working out for 3-3 ½ hours a day to prepare. Now I am down to a couple of times a week.

Does your character use any special gadgets or gear that doesn't exist in real life? Besides the technology that's already embedded in your character, that is.

No, she doesn't. No special car or anything like that.

Who was your favorite superhero as a child?

I don’t know if he’s considered a superhero, but I liked Indiana Jones.

How do you stay connected to the outside world or entertained on the set between breaks?

The cast are all really nice, so we hang out and chat. When I’m off, I read books and magazines, watch DVDs, go for walks with friends, go for meals, and go shopping. I do really normal things.

Do you have any gadgets you can't live without?

My electric toothbrush, my iPod, my BlackBerry, and my laptop. All of those things.

How do you stay in touch with your family back in England?

Via phone and email. My parents have come out to visit for a week, which was so nice. They came to set and met the cast and watched me filming big stunts.

Do you prefer to send text messages or make phone calls?

Both. I think it depends on the situation. Sometimes I like to text, sometimes I like to talk.