There’s something very different about Sam Frost.
A crackling energy snaps through the studio as she enters New Idea’s exclusive shoot, and there’s no hiding her beaming smile.
The 28-year-old may have landed a dream role on Home And Away and, yes, she’s about to star in Channel Seven’s new blockbuster reality series Hell’s Kitchen, but that’s the just icing on the cake that is her new life.
The reason behind her smile is navy man Dave Bashford – her best friend of more than five years turned boyfriend.
‘I’m so smiley, I’m such a loser,’ she admits, laughing.
‘He was my friend before I had a job in this industry. He’s just the best. He’s so fun and kind and we have the same sense of humour. He knows me so well, he knows all my weird quirks, he knows every single part of me.
I’m so myself, I’m completely real in front of him.’
The couple met through friends years ago, but only realised their true feelings for each other recently.
‘Sometimes I look at him and think: “You were right there the whole time and I didn’t see it!”’ she says in disbelief.
‘But I think I grew up. I went through different relationships and learnt more about myself. I evolved as a person.’
After what can only be described as a hellish end to 2016, the Melbourne-raised starlet began the year with a renewed vigour and a full heart.
‘I went into 2017 in a different headspace,’ she spills.
‘I hadn’t felt like myself in a really long time. I feel like I was not being myself in my previous relationship. I also had a really demanding and challenging job and I lost myself.’
But now, thanks to Dave, the help of a psychologist, the purchase of her first home in Sydney’s inner west, and landing two plum roles with Channel Seven, the world is Sam’s oyster.
‘Everything has changed in my life,’ she reflects.
‘From where I was living, to careers to relationships, so much has changed, but I’m owning it and I’ve never felt more like myself than I do now.
‘I’m quite open about the fact I see a psychologist. I try and see her weekly, but sometimes when I’m busy, definitely fortnightly.’
And boy, is the blonde beauty about to be busy!
She’s due to start her first acting role on Home And Away in a few weeks – a career direction she couldn’t have predicted.
‘I never thought this would ever happen,’ she admits.
‘I’ve never acted before! I mean, except in high school, but that’s not the same.
‘I was shocked they even wanted me to audition. I didn’t know if I was even going to be very good.’
With Sam lacking an acting CV, critics were quick to throw stones – but don’t underestimate the determined star.
She auditioned in a room full of other actors, and waited for weeks on end for feedback, before being told she didn’t get the role.
Not long after, she got another call for a different role.
‘I have been seeing two acting coaches,’ she reveals.
‘We’ve been working together on my craft.’
As a long-time Home And Away fan, Sam admits she’s ‘super nervous’ about walking onto set for the first time.
‘Working with so many talented people with so much experience, I hope I do a good job,’ she says.
For the full story, see this week’s New Idea – Out now.
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