EXCLUSIVE | Jacky Lai says ‘A Sugar & Spice Holiday’ is a ‘sweet tension’ that leads to ‘sweeter yin and yang’
Lifetime’s ‘A Sugar & Spice Holiday’ navigates the life of industrious architect Suzy, who is determined to win the local Gingerbread bake-off competition for a cause. When she struggles to recollect her late grandmother’s signature cookie recipe, her childhood friend Billy extends his support. As the duo embarks on a gingerlicious journey, Suzie finds herself torn between personal and professional life.
Actress Jacky Lai, who plays the role of Suzy caught up with MEAWW for an exclusive interview, during which she spoke at length about her experience of playing the lead character, what the Lifetime romantic holiday movie has to offer the audience and much more. Here our excerpts from the interview:
What can you tell us about Suzy?
Suzy is a very hardworking, smart, and driven architect. She wants to be the best at everything she does and puts a lot of pressure on herself to succeed. She loves her family and has a really special relationship with her grandmother who taught her life lessons through baking.
How did the role come about?
I received the audition and sent in a tape but at the time there wasn’t even a character description for Suzy, just the audition pages. This was all during COVID so we do the auditions at home and the callback was through Zoom.
Your role in the movie seems to test your culinary skills. How was your experience playing it?
We had so much fun and it went really smoothly mainly because I was only responsible for the finishing touches.
How did you prepare yourself to play Suzy?
The main prep I did was to get into her circumstances and understand the relationships around her. I was in every scene of the movie but one so there was a lot of talking which meant practice practice practice.
What can the audience expect from Billy and Suzy?
A sweet tension that leads to an even sweeter yin and yang.
One memorable moment from the set of the film you would like to share with us.
I really love the ending of the movie. There are so many sweet moments that all tie together really well. Eirene Donohue is such an amazing writer, she gave me a lot of juicy words to say and I got to share those moments with everyone on our biggest day. We had the most cast and crew that day than any other day so it was a perfect way to wrap the movie.
How are you planning on spending your holidays?
I'm hoping to head back to Toronto in time to watch ‘A Sugar & Spice Holiday’ with my family. We’ll probably just hang low key, finally get some home-cooked meals!
How has 2020 treated you?
It's been crazy. A lot of growth I’d say. Wasn’t easy but necessary. And now it's ending on a high note so I can't complain.
'A Sugar & Spice Holiday' premieres on December 13 at 8 pm ET on Lifetime only.