How did you get into the stunt world?

I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a stunt woman. I saw the Indiana Jones stunt show at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, and immediately decided that was what I wanted to do when I grew up. I was sporty and already training for about 25 hours a week in gymnastics. Then, at the age of 16, I got an opportunity to work on the film Kick-Ass 2, where I doubled as Hit-Girl – a kid ninja who fights crime with her dad.

I’m only 5ft, so my niche is playing younger characters. It’s whoever I fit size- and looks-wise. Since kids are always growing, they tend to outgrow me and then they need a new double. I’ve doubled for actors including Natalie Portman and Ariana Greenblatt.

What skills are required to be a stunt woman?

In the UK, we have the British Stunt Register, which is like a university for stunts. You have to complete six skills – I chose gymnastics, trampolining, high diving, rock clim#, scuba diving and kickboxing. I’m always trying to get new qualifications. You’ve got to be self-motivating – there’s no set 9 to 5 and it can be tough if you’re training on your own a lot.

Are you currently training?

I’ve just been to the Galápagos Islands to progress on my scuba diving. There's loads of sealife and lots of strong currents. I’ve also been doing skydiving training and stunt driving courses – learning to spin cars.

Are you daring in regular life?

I’ve just been doing off-piste skiing and snowboarding. But I like to lead a fairly normal life. I love hanging out with my old school friends that have known me for years.

The stunt and film world is such a unique place. No one really understands it unless you’re involved. But it’s about finding the balance and not being consumed by the industry the whole time.