Carla's birthplace was Coventry, a city located in the heart of England, where she was fortunate enough to be born into a family with a deep-rooted history in the world of dance. Her mother, an English national, was a talented dancer who had spent some time performing with a prestigious dance company in Lisbon, Portugal, where she met Carla's Portuguese father. Following their marriage, the family relocated back to England, where Carla spent her formative years alongside her two brothers, including Jorge, who would go on to achieve an extraordinary feat by becoming the youngest-ever Colonel in the British Army at the remarkably young age of 36.
Carla's journey in the world of performing arts commenced at the University of Warwick, where she earned a degree in Dramatic Arts and Theatre Studies in the year 1985. Initially, she ventured into the theatre scene, but it was her work in television comedy that ultimately led to her widespread recognition. Her most notable roles were in two extremely popular children's shows, "My Dad's the Prime Minister" which premiered in 2003, and "My Parents Are Aliens" which debuted in 1999 and continued to entertain audiences for a remarkable seven-year span. Although Carla was not an original cast member, she remained a pivotal figure throughout the show's entire run, leaving a lasting impact on the program.
Carla, a talented individual, found herself at the forefront of a campaign in 2006 when her parent company, ITV, made the difficult decision to discontinue its afternoon children's programming due to financial constraints. Alongside her "My Parents Are Aliens" co-star, Tony Gardner, Carla joined forces to launch the Save Kids' TV initiative, a valiant effort to salvage the beloved shows. Although the campaign ultimately proved unsuccessful, Carla persevered and continued to thrive in the television industry, appearing in a variety of programs, including "So Awkward" for ChannelX/CBBC.
Carla's impressive portfolio extends far beyond her television endeavors, boasting a thriving career in the realm of theatre. Her extensive experience has allowed her to collaborate with esteemed companies such as the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Royal Exchange, and the Tobacco Factory, solidifying her reputation as a versatile and talented performer.
Throughout her theatre career, Carla has had the privilege of appearing in a wide range of productions, including the critically acclaimed "Noises Off" by Michael Frayn, which premiered at the Nottingham Playhouse. Her dedication to her craft has not gone unnoticed, as she continues to work on new and exciting projects, including the highly anticipated series four of "So Awkward" for Channel X.
Carla, a remarkable individual, has been blessed with a long-standing and loving relationship with Clive Mantle, a talented actor and writer, with the couple having shared many wonderful years together.
Throughout her illustrious career, Carla has undoubtedly faced numerous challenges, yet she has consistently demonstrated her unwavering dedication to her craft, showcasing her remarkable talent and unrelenting passion for bringing joy and entertainment to her devoted audiences.
