Amanda Mealing is best known for playing the formidable Connie Beauchamp in Holby City and Casualty, but when we meet the actress for a chat, she is a million miles away from her straight-talking – and at times mean – alter ego. Dressed in dungarees and a T-shirt, a make-up free Amanda, 51, is chatting to us over Zoom from her home, which she shares with her husband Richard.